A new cast includes Demond Barrit as Hector, the role created by Richard Griffiths, and Diane Fletcher as Mrs. Lintott. Barrit made his name as a Royal Shakespeare Company principal (playing such parts as Bottom and Malvolio), but last season he took lead roles in the National Theatre shows Stuff Happens (as Dick Cheney) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Alongside Barrit and Fletcher are Bruce Alexander, James Cartwright, Philip Correia, Marc Elliott, Jamie King, Tobias Menzies, Thomas Morrison, Matt Smith, Kenny Thompson and Steven Webb.

Nicholas Hytner’s staging is re-created by Simon Cox. Designs are by Bob Crowley, lighting designs by Mark Henderson, music by Richard Sisson, sound design by Colin Pink and the video director is Ben Taylor.

The History Boys attracted full houses and a host of awards during its original run. Prizes include three Olivier Awards. The play — about a British boys' school — open on Broadway in April 2006 at a theatre to be announced.

For more information, call (0)20 7452 3000 or visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.