Written by Willy
Russell
Directed by Denny
Lawrence
Christine Harris
& HIT Productions
Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
to 29 October
Review by Len Power
26 October 2016
‘Educating Rita’ by Willy Russell is familiar to many people
through its 1983 film adaptation with Michael Caine and Julie Walters. It was first a two character stage play
presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in London in 1980.
Uneducated Susan (who initially calls herself Rita), signs
up for an Open University course in English Literature as a break from her
humdrum work and home life. Sparks begin
to fly immediately between her and her assigned tutor, Frank, a middle-aged,
alcoholic career academic.
Colin Moody gives a realistic performance as the disillusioned
and bitter Frank. While presenting an
unhappy and abrasive character, Moody never loses the audience’s sympathy. It’s a finely judged performance.
Francesca Bianchi as Susan/Rita is a delight right from the
start. The actress is in complete
command of a character who changes with her increasing knowledge and
confidence. She has a great sense of
timing with the comedy lines and projects a endearing warmth as well.
 |
| Francesca Bianchi and Colin Moody in 'Educating Rita' (photo: Canberra Times) |
On a practical and simple set designed by Jacob Battista for
Frank’s office at the university, director, Denny Lawrence keeps the
dialogue-heavy show moving at a swift pace.
Scene and costume changes are deftly handled. However, the second act wig worn by Francesca
Bianchi was a poor choice, obscuring her face at times in key scenes.
This is a delightful play which has stood the test of time
and seems as fresh as when it was first written. The opening night audience had a good time
with it and so did I.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program from 9.00am on
Saturdays.