Educating Rita

Educating Rita - Tyldesley Little Theatre.

Educating Rita by Willy Russell is Danny Tooby’s directorial debut. First shown in the 80’s this play does not date, showing a woman trying to better herself at the expense of her existing life. The play opens up to a well thought out set of Frank’s university study. Window Stage Right and I could not see properly from where I was sat but through the window it looked like it had been dressed with greenery from the outside. Stage Left an entrance door. The room was furnished in dark wood with green walls. It boasted one large desk surrounded with books, radio and a trim phone Up Stage Right. Stage Left against the wall was another desk with books and papers and a typewriter. A fireplace complete with bust on the mantlepiece Up Stage Centre and either side were bookcases laden with books, hidden alcohol and objets d’art. An easy chair took Centre Stage and around the room were various piles of books to add to the atmosphere. Set construction Eddie Stanley, Andy Haymes, also set decoration Alex Haymes, Andy Haymes, Jo Hibbert and Eddie Stanley. Special Props Paul Whur. Lighting was unobtrusive and effective. Design and set up Paul Gower and Operation by Jenny Whur.  Sound again was complementary and Music by Paul Whur. Costume was befitting the characters and a great idea to use the idea for Rita of just changing the jacket or cardigans for the different scenes. Wardrobe by Margaret Speakes. Frank’s wig looked good too and matched up to the beard and eyebrows. The 14 scene changes were handled well and I was intrigued by the moving of the skull about the set. The Stage Manager was Jake Little.

The curtain opened up to Frank played by Ian Pattison on stage in his university study room. Ian’s obviously younger than Frank & was aged up well, talking to his girlfriend he sets the scene of his drinking habits. The girlfriend Julia we never meet and through his description of her I felt sorry for her. I didn’t think anyone knows why Frank is teaching, least of all himself. We gather he has had various warnings about his conduct including falling off the rostra drunk but gosh is he proud of himself - he kept talking through the whole debacle. We see the fascination almost like a toy he has with Rita, I as an audience member am not sure if he even fancies her - it’s all ambiguous.  Left for the audience to decide. The role reversal is portrayed well, in addition to the drunk scene. This is a massive part to undertake and lines were well rehearsed and delivered and you felt safe in the knowledge that the two actors had this. By no means taking away from Ian’s portrayal of Frank I would liked to have seen a bit more light and shade. I know when only two people are on stage you have to work with each other’s energy but this man is heading for rock bottom and the anger and confusion could have been portrayed more for me. There were some lovely moments between him and Ingrid and I did notice subtle use of his eyes.

Rita was played by Ingrid Folkard-Evans bursts into the room and doesn’t draw breath for a while, again another mammoth line learning. When only two people are on that stage during the fourteen scenes it’s a vocal and mental work out. Rita, spurred on by reading Rita Mae Brown an American feminist writer of “Ruby Fruit Jungle” about the coming of age of a young Lesbian author is the catalyst to Rita coming of age right before our eyes. You do get the feeling Rita is doing the interviewing and somehow is always in front of Frank while he trails behind. Ingrid didn’t play it brash and bolshy rather with a wide-eyed innocence and always aware of her position in life. Everything is new and it’s an adventure to soak up the knowledge and what is inside Frank’s head. Danny makes the Director’s decision to have Frank more static and Rita moving around freely which works well, we see her bursting with energy - her words coming out all at once, we saw the character wanting to run before she can walk analogy. So as an actress, you have to then control your energy and place it more as the character starts to take on more knowledge and better herself. Ingrid did this well and brought out the awkward funny moment when she was trying to speak RP. When talking about her husband challenging her on having an affair she makes the remark that she is too busy trying to find herself by going out into the world and meeting it head on and that includes going to see an amateur production of The Importance Of Being Earnest - much to Frank’s disgust. As the second half progresses Rita’s wedding ring is gone and the clothes start being more sophisticated. The role reversal is complete. I know this play is likened to Pygmalion and on one of  Rita’s exits lines from the stage I was reminded of this. Well done Ian, Ingrid, Danny and crew.

Thank you for the hospitality and for making Matthew and I so welcome.

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