Seen the film, read the play, and today have seen the play! It is amazingly funny, clever, and surprisingly poignant. Any thoughts?
The History Boys
The fact that it's a British comedy put me off. The film that is.
Was the book/play written by Alan Bennett?
Yeah it was-I love the fact that it's so British!
Probably Alan Bennett's boldest work.
Worth trying to get hold of his early plays to read like 'Forty Years On' or 'Getting On'. Really well-written and funny.
Also, try and get hold of his TV plays. 'Intensive Care' is one of his best. They never get shown thesedays, which is a pity.
I will try that actually! I love the way the play is written-and the way so much is left unsaid but still means so much. The whole turning points thematic is very well employed too.
Oh, forgot his brilliant TV documentary/memoir about staying in hotels. What was it called? It was shot at the Queen's hotel, Harrogate. Interspersed with him talking about his discomfort at staying in hotels were little snippets of the guests' conversations. Don't know if that's available to buy but it was great.
Oh! and what about everyone's favourite scene/quote!? There's too many for me, though I'm particularly fond of the Brief Encounter bit and the brothel come hospital.
I really need to go and see a good play, I haven't seen one for ages. I flipping love 'em.
See History Boys! or The 39 Steps!
I'm tempted to go see The 39 Steps. Recommended then?
Also, FYI:
FILM: The 39 Steps
On: UKTV Drama (Sky 132)
Date: Saturday 29th March 2008
Time: 21:00 to 22:35
The masterful Hitchcock adventure based on John Buchan's novel. Richard Hannay, pursued by the police for a murder he did not commit, and by an international spy-ring for information he does not possess, finds himself fleeing across the desolate Scottish moors - handcuffed to a beautiful blonde.
(Widescreen, Black and White, 1935, PG, 4 Star)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim, Godfrey Tearle, Peggy Ashcroft, John Laurie
Alan Ayckbourn's 'Absurd Person Singular' is still running in the West End. Very funny and slightly dark play.
The BBC made a very good TV version years ago. (When they used to make an effort at Christmas.) Starring Nicky Henson, Maureen Lipman, Michael Gambon, Geoffrey Palmer and Prunella Scales. Worth seeking out. As is the other Ayckbourn play they shot, 'Season's Greetings'.
Ooh will definitely have to go to that then! I'm really wanting to go and see The History Boys again, right this second! Have been since last night-either I'm pathetic, or it was *that* good...or a bit of both 
I forgot to say, to those who've seen it on stage-how great is them doing "Wish me Luck as you Wave me Goodbye!"? 