Yvonne Arnaud – until 14 March 2020
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Willy Russell didn’t want to write a ‘problem play’, only a play to entertain and educate. Drawing on his own life experience, you get a real sense of the class battle that existed in the 80’s. Educating Rita brings together two very different worlds to show how happiness is not a material thing, it has to come from within.
The deep loneliness and sense of regret that Stephen Tompkinson (Frank) brings to his character is palpable. His ability to perform various levels of drunkenness is funny and impressive! He brings humour, sour and bitter notes to the piece. Frank’s foresight into the pretentious academic world that Rita (Jessica Johnson) so yearns for, makes his own sad situation even more depressing. Jessica Johnson brings energy to the part, in a ball of pent up of repression. Instead of anger at the injustice of her situation as a working glass young women, Rita is willing to fight for her right to choice. Johnson’s body language expresses so much of her character, cleverly growing in confidence as the piece progresses. You can forgive Johnson for the slightly dodgy midlands accent as a result. The demise of Frank into drunken oblivion comes to a head when they switch roles, marked by Rita sitting in the tutor’s chair, giving him a lecture on life!
The creatives produce an authentic set that is instantly recognisable. This is Frank’s college office come library, with floor to ceiling books. I particularly like the music between scenes, which is light and mischievous. It complements the discovery of many hidden bottles of scotch!
I hope Willy Russell gets to see this version of his iconic story. Director Max Roberts has done him proud. It has many reflections of my own life growing up in the 80’s and is both entertaining and educating!