Guildburys Theatre Company is one of Surrey's leading community theatre companies and they are delighted to be bringing this classic play to G Live. 'Educating Rita' will be staged in the uniquely intimate setting of the Bellerby studio.
Perhaps best known from the film adaptation starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, the original play updated by the author, Willy Russell (renowned for 'Blood Brothers' and 'Shirley Valentine'), sparkles with wit and poignancy.
What's it about? In Liverpool, 27-year-old hairdresser Rita decides to finally complete her basic education before having children, as desired by her husband Denny. She joins a literature course offered by the open university and is tutored by middle-aged Dr. Frank Bryant, an alcoholic, debauched upper-class professor whose life has left him emotionally drained and totally lacking in self-esteem. Rita’s humour and determination to improve herself is contagious. She gives motivation to Frank, who helps prepare her for the exams to join the university, and be able to leave Denny.
So who is educating who – and will Rita succeed in the exams?
Intimate, uplifting, poignant and very funny. “A fairy-tale with a quizzical half happy ending”.
