THEATRE: EDUCATING RITA

Educating Rita follows the relationship between Rita and Frank during the period of a university semester.

Dissatisfied with her working class life as a hairdresser, Rita enrolls in a university course in English. Her tutor, Frank, a middle-aged alcoholic, has taken the job to pay for his habit.

Frank is impressed by Susan’s spirit, which makes him reexamine his beliefs, while his tuition opens up a path of self-development for Susan that allows her to create a more rewarding lifestyle. But as Susan’s confidence grows, her individuality slowly disintegrates. Unimpressed by the change, Frank bitterly attempts to thwart her self-transformation.

Educating Rita stars Catherine McGraffin and Michael Ross and is adapted from Willy Russell’s play by two graduates of Ensemble Studios.

BY MICHELLE PORTER

Until March 22. TAP Gallery Theatre, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. $20-$25, 1300 438 849