the history boys - act one

when first reading the first act within the play, i automatically became clear of the comedy that has been used for various reasons.
there is also a contrast/rivalry between the two teachers hector and irwin. when we first meet hector we see him as a eccentric english teacher that wants the boys to learn about the most important things in life such as, music, literature, fact and figures. however, when young irwin is added to the scene the automatic contrast is created, irwin has been called into the school too make the school itself look good as well as the boys.
the boys themselves create the 'banter' within the play due to the euphemisms and themes caused. they show a friendly friendship towards their teacher, however they know when they have taken it too far and when to respect him. however, hector has been shown to be sexually abusing his students which in this year's generation would be taken to a new level and this would of never been aloud. this then makes me wonder what and how people would of reacted to this in the eighties and whether they has any problems with this or was it seem as something that was 'normal'?