Review: EDUCATING RITA, Curve Theatre Leicester

Photo credit: Jonathan Pryke

Willy Russell’s Educating Rita is a classic comedy-drama. It tells the story of Rita (Alexandra Mardell), a working-class hairdresser who feels stuck in life and decides to study Literature with the Open University to broaden her horizons. There she meets Frank (Dominic Mafham), a cynical and disillusioned university lecturer. Through their tutorials, they form an unlikely friendship and both begin to challenge their assumptions about education, class, culture and happiness. 

Michael Taylor’s set remains true to the original setting. The performance opens to, and remains throughout, the interior of Frank’s campus office, with tall, well stacked bookcases, and many sympathetic items reflective of the 1980s style. From the outset, the humour starts and we are greeted by very obvious signs of Frank’s problem with alcohol and his failing relationship with his partner, the disorder and unkempt appearance of the space, and indeed himself as a person, providing suitable visual setting without detracting from the text. Then, in tumbles Rita and his world is shaken by an uninhibited, out-spoken and funny young woman. 

Mardell cleverly creates a captivating Rita with comic timing on point. As she steadily emerges as the woman she wants to be, despite the ups and downs she faces, the confidence she has developed is palpable. By contrast, Frank’s demise is a painful watch as we will him to rise from the embers of his career with the support of his new friend. Mafham expertly captures the frustration and despair of Frank as he spirals deeper and further out of control. Despite the cast comprising of two excellent actors, the chemistry between the characters could be a little more intense, and at times the pace slows a little to allow this to fully develop. 

Willy Russell’s script has barely aged, in spite of in being in it’s 46th year. The humour is there for the taking and this production celebrates all of the jokes within it. Under the direction of Cara Nolan, this play offers a timeless glimpse at what it really means to have class and culture, and if given the opportunity to shape the life of another person, could we be happy with the result? This production imitates a game of Snakes and Ladders; with the characters hitting the highs and lows, cleverly demonstrating who comes out on top. 

A treat of a play, which explores a variety of themes and emotions, expertly presented.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Leanne Walpole

Educating Rita plays at Curve Theatre Leicester until 17 Oct, with further info here.