Educating Rita

Educating Rita, a stage comedy by British playwright, Willy Russell, is a play for two actors. The play takes place entirely in the office of an Open University professor. Originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Educating Rita had its premiere at The Warehouse, London, in June 1980 starring Julie Walters and Mark Kingston and directed by Mike Ockrent. The play was later adapted into a film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. The play went on to win the Olivier Award in 1980 for "Comedy of the Year." ​Rita, a young Liverpudlian and working class hairdresser has decided to take a class at Open University taught by Frank. Frank is a middle-aged educator who salves his weariness with alcohol. Frank is taken by Rita's energy and fresh perspective on classic works. The tutoring sessions take place in Frank's office. It is during these tutoring sessions that we learn more about Rita and Frank and how their relationship develops.