Educating Rita at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton

It takes writing and acting of the highest calibre to sustain a play that has only two players.
Educating Rita. Photo: Richard DavenportEducating Rita. Photo: Richard Davenport
Educating Rita. Photo: Richard Davenport

But that is the double whammy we get here as David Birrell and Jessica Baglow take to Willy Russell’s script like ducks to water.

David is the tutor-cum frustrated poet Frank while Jessica is Rita, his Open University student-cum just frustrated in her bid to better herself. But while Rita has a thirst for knowledge, her tutor has a thirst for alcohol. So while she works free from her frustration, he sinks further into his.

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The relationship makes for rivetting theatre, with Rita’s Liverpudlian wit a perfect foil to Frank’s sardonic tendencies, so congratulations are due to director Elizabeth Newman while set and lighting director Claran Bagnall must also take a bow for the excellent results of her efforts.

The play runs until February 11th and tickets are available on 01204-520661.

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