EDUCATING RITA

"It is funny, thought-provoking and so fastly paced from the start that the audience hardly has time to draw breath.” The Stage

“Not only is it extremely funny, but it is also rooted firmly in reality..." Oxford Times

“The charm and wit of the developing relationship plays out to great effect on the intimate Watermill stage.” Wiltshire Gazette & Herald

"It’s a damn good play." Theatre World

"... darned good entertainment, and ... a splendid evening out."  Henley Standard

Bored with teaching English Literature to unappreciative, pretentious undergraduates, Frank Bryant takes solace in his whisky glass and reflects on what might have been. His world is turned upside down by the arrival of Rita, a bubbly, working class hairdresser who decides to find herself by taking an Open University course, much to the dismay of her husband. Her fresh, witty humour and intuitive approach reignites Frank’s passion for his subject and life as Rita grows in confidence and begins to bloom intellectually. It is only when she starts to take on some of the characteristics of his university students that things begin to deteriorate…

An inspiring, humorous tale of self discovery and the power of education by Blood Brothers playwright, Willy Russell. 

Please note that this production contains strong language and there will be smoking on stage during the performance.

See an interview with Timothy Bentinck and Clare Lams and extracts from the show here.

The Cast
Timothy Bentinck - best known as David Archer in the BBC Radio 4 series, The Archers.
Claire Lams - recent roles include productions at The National.

See here to read more about Director, Jamie Glover's, approach to directing the play.


Running Times:
Act One 69 minutes
Interval 20 minutes
Act Two 37 minutes

Talk back
Free talk back after the show on Friday 9 October and Friday 23 October

Tickets from £12.50 to £23

British Sign Language interpreted performance on Monday 26 October
Please call the box office on 01635 46044 so that they can allocate you appropriate seats.

*Wednesday and Thursday Night After Show Meal Deals*
A two course meal from our buffet, coffee and a top price ticket for the show for only £30
PLEASE CALL THE BOX OFFICE TO BOOK
ON 01635 46044
Offer subject to availability