Made up from a series of sketches by national treasure Alan Bennett, it has been expanded to provide a fully rounded story of the final days in the career of an unorthodox teacher, Mr Hector. Like Mr Chips before him, Hector believes in connecting with the hearts of his pupils rather than just their brains; preparing them for life, not just exams.
Providing, in my experience, an accurate picture of homosexuality in schools in a less neurotic era, the play centres on Hector's downfall when the headmaster's wife catches him 'cupping the balls of a pupil' three days running on the back of his motorbike. Tellingly, it is not one of the pupils that report him. If fact, much is made of certain boys complaining about not being so propositioned!
Staged very simply with sliding scenery and excellent multimedia distractions during the many scene changes, the cast are exemplary. Headed by Stephen Moore and Isla Blair and ably supported (if not outshone) by a cast of young unknowns, the first half takes us right up to Hector's dismissal. The second half discusses his downfall and catches up with the entire cast many years on.
Contrary to other reviewers, I felt that the first half was the stronger and after the interval it seemed to smack a little of padding and making up time. However, even in a weaker second half, Bennett is still crackling with humour and pathos. A weak Bennett is still way stronger that many playwrights can aspire to.
© Paul Towers 23/9/2006
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