Ensemble Theatre Presents: Educating Rita

Ensemble Theatre’s exciting 2015 season continues with a modern rendition of Willy Russel’s contemporary classic, Educating Rita.

Educating Rita is the powerful and uplifting story of Rita (Catherine McGraffin), a working class hairdresser looking to broaden her horizons through education, and Frank (Mark Kilmurry), a jaded academic looking for a means to support his drinking career. Rita’s love for learning rekindles Frank’s passion for English Literature, but will she steer clear of the pretensions and trappings of bourgeois academia?

Kilmurry is also the director of this production, and took on the role of Frank after the initially-cast Mark Lee had to pull out of the production. Already having done extensive research as director, he and co-Artistic Director Sandra Bates agreed it would be perfect casting. Catherine McGraffin comes to the role of Rita with a deep familiarity and love for the role after staring in the production by Anna Cottrell and Anna Crawford. Catherine’s Ensemble Theatre credits are extensive, and her love for the company is obvious, “It has been immeasurably wonderful to play, learn and perform in both the rehearsal room and the theatre,’ Catherine Says. ‘…My only critique of the place is that the view can make it difficult to concentrate!”

This beloved modern tale of the liberating power of education and the erosive effects of lives half-lived is not to be missed. Enjoy dinner or a cocktail before the show at Bayly’s Restaurant, overlooking our beautiful harbour.

Wed May 27 – Sun June 28, 2015. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $25 – $69, Bookings: 02 9929 0644 or www.ensemble.com.au.