'The History Boys' Returns to West End in 2027 With Hytner Directing

Alan Bennett's "The History Boys" returns to London's West End in April 2027, with Nicholas Hytner back directing the production he first staged at the National Theatre in 2004.

The run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket begins previews on April 10, 2027 and closes on July 24. Bob Crowley, who designed the original staging, returns as set designer. The producers will announce the cast in January 2027.

The announcement reunites the creative team that made the play a hit two decades ago. After its 2004 opening at the National, the production transferred to both the West End and Broadway, won three Olivier Awards and took six Tony Awards. Its young ensemble went on to break out.

What is the play about?

Set in 1980s Britain, the comedy follows eight pupils at a Sheffield boys' grammar school. They wrestle with adolescent desire, staffroom politics and teachers locked in an intellectual tug-of-war. Along the way, Bennett's script takes on sexuality, growing up, what history actually is and what schooling is for.

Who is producing it?

Hytner produces alongside Brian and Dayna Lee, whose credits include "Giant" — the play that won the Olivier for best new play and earned four Tony nominations on Broadway with John Lithgow. The three most recently partnered on "The Standard of Living."

Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen also produce for Access Entertainment, with Mark Rubinstein as executive producer.

The Lees said it was a privilege to return Bennett's play to the West End with "the incomparable Nicholas Hytner once again at the helm."

"Bennett's sharp, funny and deeply moving exploration of institutional culture, class and education feels as timely as ever. We can't wait to share this remarkable production with a whole new generation," they said.

The Lees run AF Creative Media, whose Broadway credits include the Tony winners "Company," "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" and "Angels in America." They also hold a multi-year first-look deal with London's Royal Court Theatre.

What do Bennett and Hytner say?

Hytner framed the revival as both a reunion and a fresh look. "More than 20 years after it opened, it's the right time to be bringing this great and much loved play back to the London stage. I can't wait to take another look at it, and to introduce it to a new generation of theatergoers," he said. "My collaboration with Alan Bennett has been central to my creative life, and it's a delight to be back in the theater with him again."

Bennett, for his part, recalled the writing itself. "'The History Boys' is one of the happiest plays I've written. Or rather, it was one of the happiest of my plays to write. It was also one of the quickest to set down, taking far less than my usual five years. So, something of a record for me. The play is full of quotes and has itself become eminently quotable. A joy for any playwright. I welcome its return under Nicholas Hytner," he said.

What does the revival change for audiences?

Practically, it gives West End audiences a 15-week window to see the original staging's director and designer revisit the work, before the July 24, 2027 close. The January casting announcement will show whether the producers can repeat the original's trick of launching a breakout young ensemble — and the 2027 run will test whether a play about 1980s schooling still lands with the generation now filling the seats.