Educating Rita

I was delighted to stand in for the regular regional rep, Terry Harrison, who was unable to attend.

Educating Rita by Willy Russell is a two-hander so the pressure is seriously on for the actors. Daniel Brown as Frank, the professor, and Laura Kennedy as Rita, both successfully filled the large shoes of various skilled actors who have played the roles of Frank and Rita before. They both rose to the challenge admirably, instilling their own originality into the well-drawn roles, delivering first-class performances of the highest standard. Daniel encapsulated the life of the alcoholic academic rising above his disillusionment with his students to teach Rita against his better judgement. Laura captured Rita’s nervous energy—her effervescence and enthusiasm—and, above all, convincingly showed the character’s determination to succeed, all the while maintaining a very believable Liverpool accent.  Obviously, much credit for the play’s success lies with Willy Russell and his clever and funny script, none of which works without talented actors such as these.

The open stage depicted Frank’s study, in which the entire play is set. This was an excellent set, beautifully dressed. Lots of bookcases—and books—authentic wooden furniture, chairs, and a well-resourced array of props. A real academic fellow’s room, every bit of it was well-used by the actors. Full credit to the stage managers, Geraldine Gordon and Margaret Wild and the set building and props team, Matt Harvey, Margaret Wild and Mark North. The set was complemented by appropriate lighting, courtesy of Holly Shaw.

The choice of music pre-show and throughout the production nicely complemented the whole production. Costumes were appropriate and looked good. They perfectly reflected Rita’s changing lifestyle. Well done to Brenda Anderson for creating just the right look for the characters.

David Crossthwaite directed this production with great skill, ensuring we appreciated each scene as it developed both in time and in Rita’s metaphorical journey.

The Knaresborough Players are to be congratulated on a strong production, which was hugely entertaining from a very talented duo who did excellent justice to Willy Russell’s time-honoured script treating us to a real tour de force. Thank you to all involved for a very special, first-class piece of theatre.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.