Educating Rita

A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Educating Rita

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  1w, 1m

Educating Rita
by Willy Russell

Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. 

Image: Tristram Kenton

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 1m
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves. The play became a hit film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.
Keywords
M1 (middle age) F1 (26)
  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting A first-floor room in a university
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

"Warmly written...It is the interchange of feeling and realization of new approaches to life on both sides that make this play of particular interest." - London Telegraph

Photos

  • Educating Rita

    Image: Tristram Kenton

  • Educating Rita

    Image: Tristram Kenton

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Willy Russell

Willy Russell’s career spans more than four decades; born in Liverpool in 1947, he left school at 15 and became a women’s hairdresser and part-time singer/songwriter performing on the local folk scene before returning to education and becoming a teacher.

Whilst at St Katharine ...

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