A True Education: 'Educating Rita' at the Northcott Theatre

Running from 25 to 28 September at Exeter's Northcott Theatre on Streatham Campus, this bitter-sweet comedy written by Willy Russell and starring Mary Elliot and Eddie Holden, is an absolute treat for anyone aged 18 years or above (it contains some strong language). Originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company in June 1980 and starring Julie Walters and Mark Kingston, it was immediately a big hit at the box office. This production is presented by the Uncommon Players, a group of enthusiastic theatremakers from around the Exeter area.

Educating Rita explores the relationship between a young Liverpudlian hairdresser, Susan White, (who re-names herself 'Rita' after the author of her favourite book Ruby Fruit Jungle), and her open university lecturer, Dr. Frank Bryant. Despite mention of a few other characters, the two protagonists are the only ones who speak in the whole play, with the dialogue remaining solely in the professor's office. I found this incredibly effective, as it highlights the stifling rules and regulations of a 'proper' education, something which Rita desires more than anything, as she defies her working class background by declaring that she just wants to know “everything”. Frank even says at one point that the window “hasn't been opened for generations”.

The play was completely believable from start to finish, bringing the audience right into the heart of the story, due to the truly excellent acting. There is clearly a serious message underneath the humour, which comes across very well and is touching and poignant. Right from the beginning, it is clear that Rita wants to 'change', to become 'cultured' and intellectual, like Dr. Bryant. She describes the “disease” of the working classes, saying that even when you've got want you think you want, you've actually got nothing. However, she gradually learns that the upper classes are equally 'diseased'.

Rita is charming just the way she is, and although she believes that she will “find herself” through education, the unique personality we know and love will be lost. In fact, close to the end, it is Frank praising the book Ruby Fruit Jungle, while Rita calls it “hardly excellence”. She has clearly adopted the pretensions of university life that her lecturer so despises. Both characters, but especially Rita, change quite negatively during the play, but it finishes on a positive note, with Rita about to cut Frank's hair, as she threatened to right at the beginning.

Considering how long the play lasted (two hours) and the fact that there were only two people speaking throughout, emphasises the incredible effort made by Mary Elliot, who is described by the Uncommon Players as having "made many a costume and painted many a set", and Eddie Holden, "last seen in a bin in Endgame playing a more youthful role". I was very impressed. Their witty repartee ensures a fast-paced and enthralling theatre experience.