Jo'burg theatre pick: August 19 2011

Veteran theatre producer Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre celebrates its 500th production with a R2-million facelift and the production of Alan Bennett’s Eighties’ school comedy The History Boys.

Most lovers of art cinema will remember director Nicholas Hytner’s splendid version of the original play, starring Richard Griffiths as the maverick English teacher called Hector who gets into hot water because of his transgressions of the boundaries of English decency.

The current cast, consisting of Graham Hopkins, Michael Richard, Louise Saint-Claire and Theo Landey and newcomers Clyde Berning, Gopala Chetty and Matthew Lotter, among others, is directed by Alan Swerdlow. It’s a production of considerable energy and verve, with moments of great humour.

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, Montecasino Boulevard, William Nicol Drive, until September 11. Book at Computicket.
Tel: 011 511 1988.