Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has announced that The History Boys will be its third in-house production, hitting the stage in 2020.

The show see's an unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university, a maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher and a headmaster obsessed with results in Alan Bennett’s classic play.

The History Boys will be directed by Jack Ryder, a theatre and film director and an actor who is probably best known for his time as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders from 1998 to 2002. Most recently, he directed Tim Firth’s The Band, which became the fastest selling tour of all time. Jack said:

“I’m very excited to begin work on The History Boys. For any director, it is an enormous privilege to direct a play by a writer so prolific as Alan Bennett. I look forward to creating something for the people of Wolverhampton, as well as others, in such a well respected and beautiful theatre.”

The History Boys premiered at the National Theatre, transferring to Broadway in 2006 and touring the UK before returning to London to open in the West End in 2007. The show won an Olivier for Best New Play, five New York Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, a New York Drama Critics’ Award, a New York Drama League Award and six Tony Awards. Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Adrian Jackson, said:#

“I’m delighted we are able to continue the Grand Theatre’s producing legacy with Alan Bennett’s modern masterpiece. I am equally as thrilled to be working with Jack Ryder to realise a new vision of the play for Wolverhampton.

"Jack’s previous directorial work, The Full Monty and The Band have been audience favourites here at the Grand Theatre and are placed amongst our most successful productions. I look forward to working with Jack and my very talented team to bring our third in-house production to the stage.”

Full cast and creative team is to be announced soon.

The History Boys will be on stage from 7th to 22nd February 2020 and tickets will be on sale to Friends of the Grand and members on Saturday 22 June at 10am (online) and 12pm (by phone and at the Box Office). Public bookings open on Wednesday 26 June at 10am (online) and 12pm (by phone and at the Box Office).

Tickets can be bought online at grandtheatre.co.uk, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or in person at the Box Office.