ALMOST four decades after Willy Russell penned his bittersweet comedy about a bored English literature lecturer and his enthusiastic hairdresser-cum-student, Educating Rita continues to bring a smile and a tear to many.
The 1983 film version of Russell's play, which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine, became an instant classic. But visitors to Belfast's Lyric theatre for this latest production should forget all about Liverpudlian accents as here they will encounter a Susan 'Rita' White who is tired of working-class Belfast, her hairdressing job, her prospects, her husband and her life in general.
She wants to be the sort of woman who knows the difference between Shaw’s Bridge and George Bernard Shaw, and so enrolls in an Open University course in English Literature where she meets her tutor Frank – a lecturer from north Down who teaches at Queen’s – and so begins her journey of self-discovery.
Frank isn't without his own problems. Divorced, an alcoholic, and sick to the back teeth of the pretensions of academic life, he finds Rita’s enthusiasm for learning and down-to-earth attitude refreshing.
This reimagined production of this multi-award-winning comedy stars Michael James Ford as Frank and Kerri Quinn as a determined Rita, who realises that "if you wanna change you have to do it from the inside".
Taking a break from rehearsals I caught up with director Emma Jordan and Quinn, who was getting into the 80s spirit by sporting a denim jumpsuit.
“It helps me get into character,” she laughed. “The fashion reflects Rita's journey and how she’s grown from a working class hairdresser that’s very loud, transforming into figure-hugging dresses and heels.”
Although Quinn admits that "it's the biggest part I've taken yet", she doesn't see herself as stepping into Julie Walters' footsteps and admits she has never seen the film.
“I’ve read snippits from it previously in monologues, but I haven't seen the film and won't watch it until this run is over. Julie Walters is such an iconic individual and I don't want to be influenced, though the beauty of our play is that it's set in Belfast which makes it very different."
No stranger to big role, Quinn received much praise for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in the MAC's production of hit musical Cabaret in 2014.
“I always seem to put myself under pressure by taking these iconic roles and the audiences come with an idea of what you should be like. It’s quite daunting as it's a two-hander and not only are there a lot of lines to learn, but you have to get the character right. But I’m up for the challenge and loving it," says the 26-year-old Belfast actress, who plays 30-year-old Rita.
Much of the comedy within the play arises from Rita’s fresh, unschooled reaction to the classics of English literature and Quinn can draw parallels with Rita though her own educational path.
After studying a BTEC Highter National Diploma in performing arts at Belfast Metropolitan College, she transferred to Queen's University where she completed a degree in drama.
“I came from a very practical base in theatre and performance into a very academic setting which was quite a challenge. I always had a desire to act but my study at Queen's took discipline to sit down and present essays. Not having studied English literature at A-level I can totally empathise with Rita. I'm also like her in being vocal and engaging my mouth before my brain," she laughs.
While comedy is very much part of the play, Quinn is aware that Educating Rita gives a much deeper social commentary on life.
"A lot of what Rita says is very sad. The conditions of where she comes from are quite horrific and Rita uses comedy as a defence mechanism."
The play focuses on Rita's unhappiness with her life in her blue-collar, working-class environment, including her husband who wants Rita to cease her educational pursuits and instead to have children. Director Emma Jordan believes the play is as relevant as ever.
“Educating Rita is timeless. We may have a female first minister in office but I don’t know if things have changed that much for women. There is still that conflict of being a mother, wife and successful professional," she says.
Indirectly this version of the play, reflects on 80s Northern Ireland.
"This play has the added Belfast soundscape, complete with Van Morrison music. The Troubles are left outside the room – but they are very much present," Jordan says.
"There is a nice balance between comedy and social depth. It’s got a lot of heart and soul to it."
:: Educating Rita runs at Belfast's Lyric Theatre from January 30 to February 28. For tickets visit lyrictheatre.co.uk.
