A NOSTALGIC trip down memory Lane awaits audiences at The Everyman Theatre with Alan Bennett's iconic The History Boys.

It is the 20th anniversary production of Alan Bennett’s brilliant modern classic - winner of 30 major awards, and voted The Nation’s Favourite Play in 2013.

This classic show delves into issues almost everyone were talking about in the 1980s - education and love and darker undertones of teachers abusing boys in their care.

The show at the Everyman is undercut by a brilliant '80s soundtrack throughout and has standout harmonies from the talented boys who come together to sing a capella.

It begins on A-Level results day at Cutler’s Grammar School in 1980s Sheffield.

Eight unruly teenagers burst into adulthood with the best grades their school has ever seen, but their sights are set on something higher: to study at the most famous academic institutions in the world - Oxford and Cambridge.

But their teachers can’t agree how best to tutor them.

There’s Hector, the maverick English teacher, played superbly by Simon Rouse, who believes in culture for its own sake; Irwin, played by Bill Milner, - the shrewd supply teacher full of soundbites; Felix, played by Milo Twomey, - the headmaster obsessed with league tables and Mrs Lintott, played by Gilian Bevan, - the History teacher who thinks her colleagues are all fools.

The History Boys follows this bright bunch of boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university, lifting the lid on staffroom rivalries and the anarchy of adolescence.

This timely revival, directed by Seán Linnen, asks what is the purpose of education? And who is it for?

The play is a flashback to life before the Internet and mobile phones which lends itself to much dramatic opportunity. It is like a history lesson to younger audience members who still resonate with the teaching staff.

Some things never change and as the boys enter adulthood with all those 80s aspirations of gaining a place at Oxford or Cambridge it seems this play is indeed a real history lesson for us all.

The History Boys is at The Everyman until Saturday September 28. For more visit everymantheatre.org.uk