16 May – 28 June
Rita is a bright eyed, 26-year-old, working class hairdresser who dreams of breaking free from her mundane and routine life. She signs up to attend an Open University course in Literature and meets Frank, a middle aged disillusioned academic, disappointed writer and somewhat professional drinker.
Even Frank describes himself as “an appalling teacher”, but her sheer zest for life re invigorates him and a journey of rediscovery for both of them begins. Educating Rita is a life affirming, moving and hugely funny play that brings together an unlikely pairing of two worlds in perfect collision.
Willy Russell’s play is a heartwarming timeless British classic that has won the love of audiences for decades.
Justin Edwards who has recently appeared in HBO’s The Franchise will play ‘Frank’, his theatre credits include ‘Pendlebury’ in The Lavender Hill Mob at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, ‘Antipholus Of Ephesus’ in Comedy Of Errors with the Royal Shakespeare Company and ‘Tom Kettle’ in The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre before transferring to Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway.
Ellie Clayton who plays Claire in CBBC’s So Awkward and So Awkward Academy, will play ‘Rita’. Her theatre credits including ‘Julie’ in The Peaceful Hour at Royal Court Liverpool, ‘Wendy’ in The New Adventures of Peter Pan at Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage with Jordan Productions and ‘Chris Prezzie’ in Scroogilicious at Theatre Peckham.
Written by Willy Russell, this Built by Barn production will be directed by Stephen Unwin, with set and costume design from Cory Shipp, lighting and sound design by Ben Ormerod and John Leonard respectively, Ginny Schiller will provide casting direction, and the sound programmer will be Michael Beer. Educating Rita is a Built by Barn production.
Director Stephen Unwin said, “I am delighted to be directing Willy Russell’s brilliant social comedy, Educating Rita, at the intimate Barn Theatre in Cirencester. I have great admiration for what the Barn has achieved and am honoured to be included in its new season.”
14.30 and 19.30 pm
Barn Theatre, 3 Beeches Rd, Cirencester, GL7 1BN
Photo credit: Alex Tabrizi
This listing appears on our front page until 11:55pm on Saturday June 28th, 2025
