Nicholas Hytner to Direct Revival of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’ in London West End

The play will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket with previews from April 10, 2027 and run until July 24, 2027.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:43:26 GMT

Alan Bennett’s comedy ‘The History Boys’ is set to return to London’s West End after a two‑decade hiatus, with original director Nicholas Hytner back at the helm.

What happened

The production will be staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Previews are scheduled to begin on 10 April 2027 and the run will close on 24 July 2027. Bob Crowley, who designed the original staging, is returning as set designer. The cast will be announced in January 2027.

What the reports add

Variety notes that Hytner is producing the revival alongside Brian and Dayna Lee, whose recent credits include “Giant.” The Standard adds that the Lee duo described the revival as a privilege, calling Hytner “incomparable.” Both outlets confirm that the original 2004 National Theatre production later transferred to Broadway, winning six Tony Awards; the Standard also records three Olivier Awards for the original run.

What was said

Brian Lee told Variety, “It was a privilege to return Bennett’s play to the West End with the incomparable Nicholas Hytner once again at the helm.” The Standard quotes Hytner saying, “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 theatre goers.”

How it came about

The original production premiered at the National Theatre in 2004, later moving to the West End and Broadway where it earned multiple awards. After its last West End stint ended in April 2008, the play has not been staged in the capital until now. Felo News previously covered West End revivals, including the upcoming Quentin Tarantino play at the Phoenix Theatre (Sacha Baron Cohen to star in Quentin Tarantino’s West End debut), highlighting a trend of high‑profile returns to London’s theatre scene.

Key facts

‘The History Boys’ will open at Theatre Royal Haymarket with previews on 10 April 2027. (variety.com)
The run will close on 24 July 2027. (variety.com)
Nicholas Hytner returns as director and producer. (standard.co.uk)
Bob Crowley returns as set designer. (standard.co.uk)
The original 2004 production won six Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards. (standard.co.uk)