DERBY Shakespeare Theatre Company are straying from the tried and tested path with their forthcoming production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys, first staged at The National in 2004.

"We don't often choose plays quite as modern as this," conceded director Niki Caister. "When looking for alternative dramas to Shakespeare, we usually opt for traditional period plays such as Pride and Prejudice, so Bennett will make quite a change."

The History Boys' central theme – that schooldays and the teaching we receive during them are the most formative period of our lives – hit a chord with British audiences. Though the play contains a lot of humour, it is neither a jolly school romp or a serious drama.

The action is set in the 1980s, and follows the daily life of a group of eight bright sixth-formers in an all-boys grammar school in Sheffield.

The pupils are being groomed for Oxbridge by three teachers but each have a very different teaching style, ranging from the formulaic learning espoused by the school's new master Irwin, to a freer approach, in which Douglas Hector abandons the curriculum in favour of developing critical and creative thought.

Niki says there are two very strong reasons why she chose to stage The History Boys, the first being the superb quality of the writing.

She said: "When we are not doing Shakespeare, I feel we need to find alternative plays which are worthy of his legacy. It's about finding playwrights who can stand in that circle of top writers.

"If a script contains quality lines then it is a real joy for actors to deliver them. It brings out the best from the company."

The other factor is that The History Boys contains a number of prominent roles for young males.

"We are lucky to have several talented young males actors in the group aged between 16 and 25," Niki said. "I wanted to give them something they could really get their teeth into."

"They have shown a lot of dedication to the group and, hopefully, this challenge will help to maintain their interest and give them the opportunity to really develop their acting skills – to become the Othellos and the Hamlets of the future."

Niki explained that the themes of The History Boys are close to Bennett's own heart.

"He felt that he got into Cambridge unfairly after being coached to pass the Oxbridge entrance exams. In actual fact, Bennett is an extremely talented man, often under-rating his abilities," she said"

Irwin, played by Jack Bamford, represents this route. He is appointed to train the boys to pass the entrance exam by rote learning.

In contrast, Douglas Hector, an older, anarchic teacher, uses unorthodox methods to inspire his pupils, underpinned by his own tremendous passion and energy for life and learning.

But his character also carries a degree of controversy, as he has a habit of "affectionately" fondling the sixth-form pupils.

In view of modern sensibilities around adults abusing their positions of power in this way, Niki says the company debated how to handle this issue.

"We felt that Bennett's script made no moral judgement of Hector either way, but then Bennett's characters are never two dimensional," she said. "Bennett is a great observer of human nature and, as is usually the case in life, the people he portrays are often flawed.

"The boys treat this aspect of Hector as something they tolerate and joke about. We haven't altered the script around this issue other than to make one significant change near the end of the play – not as a moral judgement but as a more fitting and realistic outcome.

"It is a tricky issue but then, theatre reflects and highlights the world we live in, even if that is uncomfortable."

WHAT: The History Boys

WHERE: Derby Guildhall Theatre.

WHEN: February 7-11, 7.30pm.

TICKETS: £10, £8 concessions.

BOX OFFICE: 01332 255800.