Educating Rita revival to play at Curve in Leicester

Educating Rita will be revived this autumn.

Willy Russell’s comedy drama follows Susan ‘Rita’ White, who dreams of more in her life and enrols in the Open University, where she forms an unlikely friendship with her dishevelled teacher, Frank.

The Made at Curve production will play at the Leicester theatre from 26 September to 17 October.

Curve’s associate director, Cara Nolan, will direct the piece following her production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? last autumn.

Set and costumes will be designed by Michael Taylor, with lighting design by Katy Morison and sound design by Jack Baxter. Casting is by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

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 40 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.”

Accessible performances include captioned (8 October, 7pm), British Sign Language interpreted (9 October, 7pm) and audio described (17 October, 2pm with a touch tour from 12:30pm).

Casting is to be confirmed.