Alan Bennett’s acclaimed play The History Boys will return to the West End for the first time in two decades, directed once again by Nicholas Hytner at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This revival brings back a landmark production that won multiple Olivier and Tony Awards and remains a significant play in contemporary British theatre.

The History Boys, a National Theatre production that originally premiered in 2004, will open in previews on 10 April at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, running until 24 July. Nicholas Hytner directs the revival, reuniting with designer Bob Crowley, who also worked on the original production.

The play follows eight pupils at a boys’ grammar school in Sheffield in the 1980s as they prepare for university entrance exams. Through the relationships between pupils and teachers, it explores themes of education, class, sexuality and adolescence, establishing itself as one of the century’s most celebrated works.

Since its debut, The History Boys has won three Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards during its West End and Broadway runs. It has been widely regarded as an era-defining cultural phenomenon, introducing a new generation to the power of theatre.

The production is produced by Brian and Dayna Lee alongside Hytner, Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment. Mark Rubinstein serves as executive producer, with general management by Short Street Productions Ltd. Casting details are expected to be announced in January 2027.

A total of 20,000 tickets will be offered at £25 each, with general sale starting at 9am on 23 October. This pricing strategy aims to make the production accessible to a broad audience.

Brian and Dayna Lee highlighted the lasting impact of the original production and expressed enthusiasm for bringing the play back to the West End with Hytner at the helm once again. Nicholas Hytner reflected on his longstanding creative collaboration with Bennett and his anticipation to introduce the play to a new generation of theatre-goers.

Alan Bennett, the playwright, described The History Boys as one of the happiest and quickest plays he has written. He welcomed its return under Hytner’s direction, noting its lasting quotability and significance in his body of work.