History Boys in Perth for a good cause

Anthony Howes’ last production in Perth as Artistic Director of Midnite will be Alan Bennett’s brilliant playThe History Boys which will be performed at the Playhouse Theatre from Thursday, October 15.

A star cast of Edgar Metcalfe, Jenny McNae, Rick Hearder and Stuart Halusz will be joined by eight of Midnite’s best young actors in this multi-award winning play.

Set in a boys’ school in the 80’s, it follows a group of eight teenage boys preparing for the Oxbridge entrance examinations under the guidance of teachers with contrasting styles.  Conflicts ensue. Not least because Hector, the old idealist, and Irwin, the young pragmatist, represent opposite conceptions of what the study of history should be.

Bennett shows what teaching at its best is: a task of drawing out rather than putting in;  not just about the politics of school life but about the daily process of opening up young minds.

An additional bonus will be a free talk ‘Education for Exams or Life? – The History Boys’  that will take place in the Playhouse Function Room from 6.45 – 7.15 pm before the shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.  Lead by Professor Chris Wortham, The Dean of Perth Dr John Shepherd and Canon Frank Sheehan, the talk will point to the themes and issues addressed in the play.

Performances are on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 at 7.30 pm and Saturday, October 17 at 2.15 pm and 7.30pm and Sunday, October 18 at 1.15 pm and 6pm.

Book through BOCS outlets at www.bocsticketing.com.au or by phone on 9484 1133 or 9321 6831 (for groups). Prices range from $16.90 (students) to $39.90 (adults). Group discounts and concessions are available.

Part proceeds of this production will aid the charity work of Anglicare WA.

The Midnite Youth Theatre Company was formed in 1987 with its initial production of Randolph Stow’s Midnite, adapted by Richard Tulloch, with music by John Bates. Following the local season of the production, the Company toured the United Kingdom with the play, representing Australian youth for our Bicentenary, and giving a Royal Command performance in the presence of Prince Edward.

This year the company has already staged The Ghost Train, West Side Story and Pygmalion.