Educating Rita: Production Information
'Educating Rita' by Willy Russell Super Clubnight Production to be performed on Tues 20th, Wed 21st and Thurs 22nd April 2010. Excerpt from the Director’s submission to the selection panel ... ‘My aim for the production is similar to that which Willy Russel recalls having when he penned the script in the late 1970s (quoted in an interview with the Liverpool Daily Post, 5 April 2002): “I knew I just wanted to put some joy into that place and write something for it.” I have a genuine and enduring love of this story, its dialogue and the two leads. The play is highly humorous, but is not a straight comedy. There are no classic ‘gags’ and very little physical comedic action, with the exceptions of Rita struggling to open the door to Frank’s office in the opening scene and Frank falling down drunk from the rostrum – these are symbolic and are not played for laughs. The humour is very natural – sarcasm is a wonderful trait of those who have experienced (or at least perceived) some hardship in life. With Rita I believe this is inherent, but Frank’s wit is fuelled by his borderline alcoholism and chronic self-pity. The central relationship between the two protagonists is incredibly true to life – people who think in a similar kind of way and have common values (or arguably those who have opposing views but mutual respect and admiration) can be drawn to and become very fond of each other at any age, without having a physically intimate relationship and without such a possibility being seriously broached. This is beautifully and truthfully played out here – as two counterpoints Rita and Frank complement each other superbly, though they are not always in perfect balance. We have a sense of affinity and empathy with both characters as their circumstances and personalities unfold. Educating Rita is a wonderfully intelligent and insightful piece of popular theatre, for all audiences.’