ALAN Bennett’s remarkably rich drama focuses on eight bright young men as they are prepared for Oxbridge entrance by teachers who stimulate comedy, debate and profound reflection on education, history and literature.
Mark Ponsford’s character, Hector, seems set to dominate proceedings with his rebelliously brilliant teaching, but is matched by his colleagues, the boys’ developing self awareness and life itself which, like history, can be altered by the merest chance.
Colin Prtichard, his nemesis and Christine English, the school’s only female teacher, are equally effective.
Jez Roberts brings a sinister quality to Deakin, Chris Pearce a gruff honesty to Rudge. Sam Dockree, with Alex Clements, sings songs by Cole Porter and Gracie Fields.
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