The History Boys to Return to the West End in Dec.

Alan Bennett's Olivier Award- and Tony Award-winning play The History Boys will return to the West End, Whatsonstage.com reports.

With a new cast led by RSC and National Theatre veteran Desmond Barrit, it will play Wyndham's Theatre from December 20th, 2007 through August 9th, 2008.  Barrit will play Hector, the role of the unconventional prep school English teacher that was originated by Richard Griffiths (who won Tony and Olivier Awards for his work and also appeared in the recent film version).  Elizabeth Bell, Tim Delap, Daniel Fine, Andrew Hawley, Ryan Hawley, Thomas Howes, Danny Kirrane, Alton Letto, Sam Phillips and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett wil also be seen in the return engagement.  Paul Miller directs (Nicholas Hytner helmed the original London and Broadway productions).  Barrit previously played Hector on tour and at The National Theatre, where The History Boys premiered.

A UK tour will play from September 6th through November 17th prior to the West End run.  The National Theatre and National Angels co-produce.

"Set in the 1980s, The History Boys questions the purpose and means of education. In a school where the headmaster cares only about exam results, a bunch of excitable sixth-form boys go about their pursuit of the important things: sex, sport and a university place," states the article.  The Broadway production of The History Boys, which won six Tonys, ran from April 23rd, 2006 through October 1st, 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre.  Griffiths starred alongside Tony Award-winner Frances de la Tour.