The History Boys, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Monday, February 9, to Saturday, February 14:

ALAN BENNETT’S The History Boys may be a period play – set in the mid-1980s when A-level students still had to sit an Oxbridge entrance exam – but times have changed since its 2004 National Theatre debut.

Its tale of a group of young sixth-formers pulled in two directions by the inspirational Hector and target-focused Irwin is made problematic by Hector’s unhealthy interest in the boys.

“Post Operation Yewtree we don’t look at these things in the same way,” admits director Kate Saxon, on a break from the touring play’s rehearsals. “It’s interesting how little it was talked about when the production was first staged.”

Saxon has sat down with her cast in rehearsals to discuss the issues surrounding the teacher, played in the original production and 2006 film by Richard Griffiths, and the period in which the play is set.

“The way the characters respond to the paedophilia is very much of that time,” she says. “As a company it’s important we make that clear, and give the audience a chance to reflect back on some of the flippant responses, as the boys don’t quite take it seriously.”

Taking the role of Hector is Richard Hope, bravely stepping into Griffiths’s shoes.

“It was a hard role to cast,” says Saxon. “He has made his own Hector.”

The big issue when the play was first performed was what Bennett was saying about an education system which teaches its students how to pass exams rather than absorb knowledge of the world around them.

“Education goes through so many shifts and changes,” says Saxon. “There were many changes when the play was set, and there will continue to be so.”

With many of her young cast only just out of school themselves, Saxon has been keen to encourage the boys to look back and draw on their own experiences in their performances.

“The play is set in that moment in time when you are leaving school and leaping from childhood to adulthood,” she says. “It’s a fascinating period in our lives, one that anyone can empathise with. It’s why the play sustains so well.”

None of the boys were born in the mid-1980s when the play was set, and that has led to some changes in approach – particularly when it comes to how the boys interact with each other.

“They are much more free with each other than heterosexual boys would have been at the time,” says Saxon. “They are quick to touch each other. I have needed to talk to them about that, and about how the whole metrosexual idea didn’t exist. There has been a lot of talk about religion, morals and perception of each other.”

When English Touring Theatre did a survey of their audience’s favourite plays last year, The History Boys topped the poll. If any further proof were needed of the play’s pedigree the original cast included future comic and acting heavyweights James Corden, Russell Tovey and Dominic Cooper, with future Dr Who Matt Smith also playing the role of Lockwood in 2004.

This production by Sell A Door Theatre Company features a couple of familiar faces in the young cast, with Hollyoaks star Steve Roberts playing Posner and TV and film regular Kedar Williams-Stirling as Deakin.

“The characters are fantastically witty and far too erudite,” says Saxon, who adds she has been able to call Bennett with any questions during rehearsals.

“The lines leave realism behind – they are all greater and wittier than they should be. You can enjoy that with them and be taken on a journey.”

Starts 7.45pm, 2.30pm matinees Thurs and Sat, from £10. Call 08448 717650.