WHO couldn’t enjoy what must be Alan Bennett’s best play?

Presented by Sale Nomads at their Clubhouse in Friars Road, Sale, The History Boys is about seven grammar school pupils being coached for Oxbridge scholarships in the 1980s.

Thanks to help from Sale Grammar School, the Nomads did well to find so many young and not-so young men to take the roles of students and teachers.

Joe Cramsie’s Hector plays a master of the old school who has become laid back in his work and would like to be laid back in other, more sinister ways. It’s only a dream. The nearest he comes is groping a boy on the back of a motor bike!

His co-tutor is fresh faced Irwin who goes on to become a TV historian. Played by Jay Hollows he coaches the boys using modern teaching methods.

The League Table conscious head is acted in an outstanding performance by Arthur Hulse.

The sole woman in the cast is Grainne Wiggan, as teacher Mrs Lintott, who gives an emotional speech about the rights of women and their role in history.

George Murray plays young Posner catching the essence of a teenager at the crossroads of life and confused about his sexuality. He recites beautifully a difficult poem by Thomas Hardy, Drummer Hodge, not to mention his singing.

Jacob Boyle’s Dakin and Thomas Derbyshire’s Scripps could also be singled out although every young actor is good.

Well directed by Barbara Turner, tickets are available by ringing 0161 969 5140.

Continues until Saturday. Star rating: * * *