Educating Rita facts for kids

Educating Rita is a funny play written by a British writer named Willy Russell. It's a special play because it only has two actors. The whole story takes place in the office of a university teacher.

The play was first shown in London in June 1980. It was put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The first actors were Julie Walters and Mark Kingston.

What the Play is About

The story follows a 26-year-old student named Rita and her teacher, Frank. Rita is a hairdresser from Liverpool. She wants to learn more about books and writing. Frank is a university lecturer. The play shows their journey over one year.

Rita isn't happy with her everyday life. She decides to take a course in English literature at the Open University. This is a special university where you can study from home.

The play starts when Rita meets Frank for the first time. They quickly start to change each other. Frank is impressed by Rita's fresh ideas. He starts to think differently about his own life. Rita gains new confidence as she learns.

But as Rita learns more, Frank becomes a bit sad. He sees Rita changing and becoming part of the university world. He doesn't like that world very much. Rita also starts to feel a bit confused by everything. The play ends with Frank being sent to Australia.

Main Ideas in the Play

The play explores many important ideas. It talks about wanting to be free and making big changes in your life. It also looks at how different social classes live in England.

The play questions if traditional schools are always the best way to learn. It also shows how people grow and change. It looks at how relationships between people can be very powerful. The story is a bit like an old Greek myth called Pygmalion. This myth was also made into a play called Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.

Movies and Radio Shows

Film Adaptation

In 1983, Educating Rita was made into a movie. Willy Russell also wrote the movie script. Michael Caine and Julie Walters starred in the film. It was directed by Lewis Gilbert.

Radio Adaptation

In 2009, the play was made into a radio show. Bill Nighy and Laura Dos Santos were the main actors. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Later Performances

The play has been performed many times since it first opened.

• In 2001, it was performed in America at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Jacqueline McKenzie played Rita and Edward Herrmann played Frank.
• In 2010, the play came back to London's West End. Laura Dos Santos, who was in the radio show, played Rita. Larry Lamb played Frank.
• Later in 2010, this show moved to another London theatre. Tim Pigott-Smith played Frank.
• In 2012, the play went on a tour around the UK. Claire Sweeney played Rita and Matthew Kelly played Frank.
• In 2015, a special 35th anniversary show was put on in Liverpool Playhouse. Leanne Best played Rita and Con O'Neill played Frank.
• Also in 2015, another production was staged with Lashana Lynch as Rita and Lenny Henry as Frank.

Awards the Play Won

The first production of Educating Rita won an important award. It won the 1980 Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year. Julie Walters was also nominated for an award for her acting.

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