Curve to stage new production of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA this autumn
Willy Russell’s comedy of classrooms and the class-system, EDUCATING RITA, is to be revived as a new Made at Curve production at the Leicester theatre this autumn.
EDUCATING RITA will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre from 26 September - 17 October and will be directed by Curve’s Associate Director Cara Nolan. The drama follows the success of the theatre’s acclaimed 2025 production of Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, also directed by Nolan.
Set and costumes will be designed by Michael Taylor, with lighting by Katy Morison, sound by Jack Baxter, and casting by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Galacher Casting.
It’s never too late to start again…
Bright-eyed twenty-something Susan 'Rita' White dreams of making more of her life. Armed with an interest in literature and unwavering determination she enrols in the Open University, forming an unlikely friendship with disillusioned and dishevelled Frank – her self-proclaimed “appalling teacher”. Through their weekly tutorials, they challenge each other into a life-changing journey of self-discovery.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “Rita has been a vibrant and vital part of our culture for the past forty years and it’s always a pleasure to say hello to her again and see a new production of Willy Russell’s epoch-defining play.
“Russell is pretty unique in British theatre, as he has remained committed to celebrating working-class stories throughout his career. As these stories and characters feature less frequently on our stages and screens, it feels increasingly important these plays remain in the repertoire. Director Cara Nolan delivered a sensational production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? in the Studio Theatre last year and we are thrilled Cara will now bring her insight and imagination to this great play.
“The very best of live theatre, Willy’s plays are hilarious, life-affirming and remain an electrifying plea for equality.”