As we settled into the warm bosom of the auditorium, I took in the chaotic set. And a man, no less! It’s kudos to Russell’s pinpoint accuracy in his observations and writing that his plays, and the characters that bring them to life, have endured and continue to flourish. It’s interesting that two iconic female characters to come out of 1980s literature are both written by the same person. I am also aware of Willy Russell’s other works, most notably, from my cultural reference point, the brilliantly funny and poignant Shirley Valentine (I have watched the film version of that several hundred times). While I may not have seen the film that catapulted Julie Walters to stardom, I also haven’t been living in a cave, so am aware of the basic plot and themes of the play. But let’s not get started on theatre etiquette and instead focus on this 40th Anniversary production of Willy Russell’s two-hander currently touring the UK. Certainly, a couple of ladies in front of us at the beautifully bright and plush Oxford Playhouse had seen either the film or play enough times to rejoice in talking about how wonderful the dialogue is during the first half of the performance. It is quite possible that my husband and I were the only adults at the opening night of Educating Rita that haven’t seen the award-winning 1983 film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine. The poignant progression of an unusual but caring relationship Willy Russell continues to be one of the most celebrated writers of his generation with works constantly in production throughout the world as well as in the UK. The play was adapted for film and nominated for a host of BAFTA and Academy Awards. Russell’s other writing credits include the Olivier Award-winning musical Blood Brothers, and the hugely successful play Shirley Valentine, which won the Olivier Awards for Best New Comedy and Best New Actress, and aTony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play. Julie Walters reprised her role in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning film opposite Michael Caine.īorn in Liverpool in 1947, Willy Russell left school at 15 and became a women’s hairdresser and part-time singer/songwriter before returning to education to retrain as a teacher. The play was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played at the Warehouse Theatre, London in 1980, starring Julie Walters and Mark Kingston. The two soon realise how much they have to learn from each other. However, Frank soon finds that his passion for literature is reignited by Rita, whose technical ability for the subject is limited by her lack of education, but whose enthusiasm Frank finds refreshing. Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drinker, who is less than enthusiastic about teaching Rita. Oxford Playhouse, Tue 4 February - Sat 8 February 2020ĭavid Pugh and Theatre by the Lake’s highly acclaimed production of Willy Russell’s Educating Rita, which toured the UK earlier this year, comes to Oxford Playhouse from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 February.Ĭelebrating the 40 th Anniversary of the play, the production stars Stephen Tompkinson, (who performed at the Playhouse in February 2019 in Yasmina Reza’s ART) as Frank, and Jessica Johnson as Rita.The production is directed by Max Roberts.Įducating Rita tells the story of married hairdresser Rita, who enrols on an Open University course to expand her horizons, and her encounters with university tutor Frank. Daily Info Menu login / register List event Place ad
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