"Come to the first performance," Andrew Dobson advised about the upcoming Gilbert and Sullivan Society production, 'The History Boys', "because you'll want to come back again to enjoy the dialogue." The play, by well-known British playwright Alan Bennett, premiered in London in May 2004, and is set in a fictional boys' grammar school in the north of England in the early 1980s.

Eight history students, having already completed their 'A' levels, are being prepared for the entrance examinations required by Oxford and Cambridge universities under the guidance of three teachers, each with a different approach to education.

Though clearly set in Thatcherite Britain, the themes transcend a particular culture and will appeal to all. In addition to exploring coming-of-age themes, the play also examines student-teacher relations, the purpose of education, and how people look at things differently.

The local production is by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Bermuda, and though the casting call was open to all, all eight of the actors portraying the history students are from Warwick Academy, as is stage manager Shana Parker.

Matthew Wedlich, who plays Posner ("shy and timid, kind of struggling with growing up and his sexuality"), explained that the play "brings up a lot of questions and subject matter we don't normally think about."

Andrew Dobson, who plays the Headmaster, agreed. "I think it's going to be a thought-provoking play for the audience," he opined.

"I think they'll find it entertaining. I also think they'll find themselves a little uncomfortable seeing the situation of some of the characters on stage."

"But," he went on, "what really appeals to me is the language. It's so well written. The fact that it's by Alan Bennett is one of the reasons I wanted to be in it."

Stage manager Shana Parker summed up the play with the phrase "Unashamed intelligence."

Malachi Simmons, who plays Akthar (an Asian Muslim who offers a very different cultural perspective) noted, "What I enjoy most is the sheer intelligence of the boys. The way they talk and articulate their thoughts is extraordinary. I feel smarter, more cultured for playing this role. Their word play is amazing."

Asked whether this would then be appealing to youthful local audiences, the actors responded with an emphatic "yes!" – though director Matt McGowan was keen to emphasise there was strong language and some adult themes in the play.

Rowan Vickers, who plays a "really, really smart but insecure and brash" Dakin, described the play as being about "academics, living, experience, and the relationships you have with people." Though very clever, the boys are still immature, lacking in common sense worldliness, in some cases.

"A lot of it is about perspective," Malachi elaborated, "how people look at things differently."

With regards to the challenging theme of homosexuality, though it is explicitly discussed, "Nothing's ever seen on stage," Rowan commented, "though it's clearly referred to. Because of the way the play is written, you have empathy for the characters. It's good to challenge people, make them think."

The boys, veterans of Warwick Academy school plays, observed that it's rather different being in a production with adults. Unlike school productions, "Things move faster," Matthew Wedlich observed.

"You have the benefit of [the adults'] experience and can make them a role model. We've all found it a privilege to work with Mr. McGowan.

"He has a keen eye. It gives us the confidence to pull off a good show."

Stage manager Shana Parker declared feelingly, "Everything runs a bit smoother because they [the adults] can focus better."

When asked to sum up why one should pay $30 to see the play, Rowan commented, "It's incredibly funny and thought-provoking," while Matthew declared, "It's a really great, well-written play. It will put a lot of subject matter out there most people won't be exposed to in Bermuda."

'The History Boys' runs May 19 to 22 at the City Hall theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets $30 are available online at www.premiertickets.bm from April 24.