Salisbury Playhouse – until 22 June 2019
Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Set in the neon hazy days of the early 1980’s Educating Rita tells the story of Rita, a hairdresser who wishes to broaden her knowledge and better herself. She enrols on an Open University course where she meets her new tutor Frank. Rita is witty, energetic and desperate to soak up all that Frank can teach her. Frank has failed to be a famous poet, failed at his relationships and has become disillusioned with the world of teaching so turns to drink to see him through the day. However they hit it off from the start and begin to teach each other lots of things aside from literature.
The whole play takes place inside Franks university office, full of books that hide his numerous bottles of booze, mahogany wood and piles of paper. This works beautifully as all focus is upon the growing relationship of the two. The only hint of an outside world is whatever tale Rita has to tell as she bursts through the office door and whatever she can pry out of Frank. From demanding husbands to trendy hip students.
I was concerned I would not take to Jessica Johnson’s Rita having previously adored Julie Walters version but I was very wrong. I loved her equally. Jessica plays the loud, opinionated and energetic Liverpudlian wonderfully. Watching her character grow into the woman she becomes despite all hurdles she comes across was a pleasure to watch.
Jessica’s character was beautifully match with Stephen Tompkinson’s Frank. His pomp self importance was often quickly cut down by Rita and we began to see his softer vulnerable side as he enjoyed seeing Rita grow but concerned she was losing her true self and maybe even falling for her a little they bounce off each other perfectly.
An absolute delight of a play that not only pulls at the heart strings but is profoundly funny.