Educating Rita revival to star Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva

Educating Rita will be staged at Reading Rep Theatre – and casting has been revealed.

Written by Willy Russell, the play will be directed by Annie Kershaw, who returns to the venue following her 2025 production of The Maids.

The production marks the Reading Rep Theatre debuts of Madelyn Smedley, known for her iconic turn on The Traitors, and Julius D’Silva (Singin’ in the Rain), who play Rita and Frank respectively.

Smedley is known for her television work, including appearances in EastEnders, Casualty, Hollyoaks, Call the Midwife and Big Boys, as well as reaching the final stages of BBC’s The Traitors.

Her stage credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mysterious Maud and Bitter. She trained at the Guildford School of Acting and with the National Youth Theatre, and will next appear on screen in the second series of Piglets.

D’Silva’s recent theatre work includes Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre. His other credits include Farm Hall, Churchill in Moscow, & Juliet, The Producers, The Cherry Orchard, Made in Dagenham, Anne Boleyn, Macbeth and Oliver!, as well as extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His television credits include Bridgerton, The Crown and Highlander.

The creative team for Educating Rita includes set and costume designer Cara Evans, lighting designer Adam Jeffery, composer and sound designer Holly Khan, speech and dialect coach Mary Howland, costume supervisor Beth Qualter Buncall and production manager Jordan Harris. Casting is by Jill Green Casting.

It runs from 26 February to 21 March, with a press night on 2 March.