...in Nottingham with strong language, sexual references and smoking

There's nothing in the play that's there just to shock

The Lace Market Theatre will be presenting Alan Bennett's stage classic The History Boys and director Immi Lea says it will be an authentic and truthful production.

What can we expect from your production of Alan Bennett’s best-known classic?

I have endeavoured to remain as truthful to Bennett’s text as possible. His use of language is exceptional and so interesting to work with. We’ve got elements of real tenderness, absolute vulnerability and also moments that will make you laugh out loud. And a wicked 80s soundtrack too.

How does this show compare to others you have seen at the Lace Market Theatre?

I’m very lucky to be directing one of the most diverse casts the Lace Market has ever produced. For regulars to the theatre, there will be lots of new faces. The Boys themselves are from all over the East Midlands; from Nottingham, Mansfield, Leicester, Derby and Sheffield. There’s an awful lot of talent shining on that stage. We have students from Funky Studios, The Television Workshop and The Nottingham Actors Workshop. They’re all such inspiring people to work with.

How have you approached some of the more mature themes in the play?

Life is full of mature themes. There’s nothing in the play that’s there just to shock or make anyone feel uncomfortable. The characters are visceral, honest and above all very real. Every twist and turn in the story has been approached with lots of care. I’ve been very open with the cast from the beginning of the rehearsals and there’s been lots of discussion and debate. It’s very much been a team effort to make sure that the audience feel every emotion and leave the performance satisfied but hungry for more at the same time.

Why is ‘The History Boys’ still so relatable today?

The real question of where education ends and life begins is so debatable. I think, even after school, were constantly being tested and pushed to live our lives to the fullest, and to see these boys go through the first stages of adult life in front of our eyes in such a confined space is so fascinating. At its heart, The History Boys is a story of friendship, love, loss and finding out about who we are and who we really want to be. It’s the start of the journey for these characters and I can’t wait to share this with the audience every night.

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