SLT Audition
Auditions: The History Boys
By Alan Bennett
Audition one
Date: 11 Jun 2023
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: SLT - SE27 9NS
Audition two
Date: 12 Jun 2023
Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Location: SLT - SE27 9NS
Set in a grammar school in the 1980s, The History Boys follows the path of eight sixth-form pupils as they prepare to take their entrance exams to Oxford and Cambridge Universities (Oxbridge). They are led by the eccentric Hector, an ageing teacher who has a unique take. However, his teaching is brought into question by the young, fresh Irwin, who has been brought in specifically to make sure that the boys excel in their Oxbridge exams and interviews. Mediating between the two is Mrs Lintott, a teacher who goes by the book and follows a traditional, need-to-know teaching method. All three teachers face their own demons, as they attempt to guide the boys through examinations, interviews and personal struggles. Throughout their studies, the boys and their teachers explore issues of gender roles, sexuality, the value of knowledge and historical perception.
The boys all need to be believable as 17/18 years of age. Auditionees under the age of 18 are welcomed and appropriate chaperoning and safeguarding will be in place throughout the audition and rehearsal process.
Director: Siobhan Campbell
Performances: 19 - 23 Sep 2023
First Rehearsal: 9 Jul 2023
Characters:
Hector: An eccentric English teacher who is close to retirement. He prides himself in not teaching to an exam, or any prescribed path. He teaches his students to learn by heart, driven by a belief in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. He is met with different reactions, with Mrs Lintott describing him as ‘a true original’ and the Headmaster ‘a loose cannon’. He is known for allowing his emotions to affect his teaching.
Irwin: A young history teacher, employed for his innovative approach to education. The antithesis of Hector, he believes that education is for now, and teaches an approach which subverts facts to find an original and interesting argument. He believes in presentation, and history as performance.
Mrs Lintott: A ‘traditional’ history teacher, she teaches plainly stated facts to allow her students to pass their exams. She gets excellent results and does not allow her emotions to interfere with her teaching. She comments that as the only woman on the staff, she is often overlooked, and this clearly frustrates her.
Headmaster: A typical headmaster, concerned with league tables, and getting students into Oxbridge. His understanding of the arts is limited.
Posner: A quiet Jewish boy who loves singing, from show tunes to hymns, and is in love with Dakin.
Dakin: A very attractive boy, who is very aware of it. Despite having both Posner and eventually Irwin interested in him, he is only interested in Fiona, the Headmaster’s secretary.
Scripps: Currently predisposed with exploring his Christianity, he is a budding writer, and often records events in his notebook. He is Posner’s confidant.
Rudge: A star rugby player whose ability surprises everyone. He finds Irwin’s ways difficult due to his straightforward nature.
Akthar: He is happy to get involved in the class‘s testing of Irwin and is a Muslim.
Crowther: A keen actor and friends with Lockwood.
Timms: The joker of the pack and often subject to a whack from Hector as a result.
Lockwood: A shrewd film buff, interested in politics.
