History Boys

It has been a few years since I saw the film of History Boys, and although I thoroughly enjoyed it I was stupid enough to miss the last stage performance of History Boys in Christchurch. Therefore when Peach Theatre Company decided to put it on this season, I knew it shouldn’t be missed, particularly with such a stellar cast!

If you have seen the film, you’ll know History Boys follows a bunch of bright and energetic British boys in their last year of boarding school. While their teachers push the boys to succeed and get into the prestigious colleges such as Cambridge and Oxford, one teacher, Hector, strives to broaden the horizons of the boys. He teaches them other ways to think and learn about life which meets the disapproval of a new young teacher, Irwin, who has been brought on board the teaching staff to help the boys gain entry to the colleges.

I was impressed at how well the show had been put together. The sets were amazing; the set changes were quick and well incorporated into the show, and show moved fluidly. I did find the first act a little slow moving, however the second act made up for this as the pace quickened and action ensued. I felt Harry McNaughton, who played Dakin, was good in his acting, however it seemed he was trying a little too hard to shed the gay stereotype and be butch. This was conveyed in his voice which he had lowered significantly and was making it husky. As I was watching the show with two trained singers, they agreed that kind of voice manipulation can’t be good for the vocal chords. It seemed he has been working in television for so long that he is pushing his voice harder than necessary to project it. I enjoyed his performance though, and felt he did well in portraying the character.

George Henare played Hector, and did so wonderfully. His movements, body posture, facial expressions and tone of voice fitted the role perfectly and his character came across so clearly that it made it possible for the audience to engage in his performance. Annie Whittle was another great performer gracing the stage in History Boys, and although her role as Mrs Lintott was small, she still gave the performance everything and this consequently impacted on the success of the show. Andrew Ford as Irwin gave a fantastic performance as a stiff, awkward teacher who, whilst trying to help the boys with their future, was also intimidated by the brooding Dakin.

Overall the director, Jesse Peach, delivered yet another successful show. I would recommend the performance to others, and look forward to what Peach Theatre Company brings to Auckland next year.