Little Theatre: Educating Rita
18th May - 1st June 2002

Written by Willy Russell
Directed by Louise Hawkes
Staring Tammy Warwick (Rita)
and Nicolas Wells (Frank)

Educating Rita is the story of a young woman struggling to find meaning in her mundane life as a working class hairdresser. Her yearning for better things brings her to the Open University and into the tutelage of disillusioned professor Frank.

Frank openly displays his disdain for the younger generation of students and admits that he's only taken on this tutoring position to help fund his drinking habit. While Rita longs for the enlightenment of education, Frank wallows in bitterness about his lost passion for writing poetry.

The obvious mismatch of personalities provides the catalyst for both characters to examine their lives, their loves and their futures.

Nicolas Wells has a long history in amateur theatre, in both acting and administrative roles. He revels in the part of Frank, fitting into the English professor's office as naturally as the piles of books and essays.

Tammy Warwick is well-known to local audiences. Her famous talent for accents is to the fore as she plays a very convincing scouse (resident of Liverpool).

Educating Rita plays from may 18th until June 1st.

Footnote: It has been reported that this may be the last performance in the Little Theatre's current location, although the building's future is still undecided. For progress reports see the Little Theatre Homepage.