ALAN Bennett’s multi award-winning The History Boys visits Darlington Civic Theatre this month as part of a UK tour.

Winner of more than 30 major awards, including the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best New Play, it tells the story of a group of bright, funny and unruly sixth-formers in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university.

Their maverick English teacher is at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher, while their headmaster is obsessed with results and league tables. Staffroom rivalry and adolescent anarchy overflow, provoking insistent questions about history and how you teach it.

Hilariously funny and exceptionally moving, the play explores the true purpose of education.

The National Theatre's premiere production in 2004, directed by Nicholas Hytner, helped launch the careers of many of its original cast members including James Corden and Dominic Cooper. It has been staged on Broadway and twice in the West End, and a film adaptation featuring the original stage cast was released in 2006.

The play is at the Civic Theatre from June 16-20. Tickets cost £15.80 to £24 from the box office on 01325 486 555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk.