A New Production of RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO Comes to the Citizens Theatre

A new production of Andrea Dunbar's Rita, Sue and Bob Too, which has sparked debate about its staging at London's Royal Court Theatre, comes to the Citizens Theatre from 13-17 Feb - the only Scottish dates on its UK-wide tour.

The tour included a three week residency at the Royal Court which was cancelled, then re-instated, amidst controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment in the theatre industry. The play explores themes of adolescent sexuality and the realities of growing up on a council estate in Bradford.

In Rita, Sue and Bob Too, best friends Rita and Sue get a lift home from married Bob after babysitting his kids. When he takes the scenic route and offers them a bit of fun, the three start a fling each of them think they control.

Andrea Dunbar's semi-autobiographical play, written for The Royal Court Theatre in 1982 when she was just 19, is a vivid portrait of girls caught between brutal childhood and an unpromising future, both hungry for adult adventure.

Told with wicked humour, startling insight and a great ear for dialogue, it was inspired by Dunbar's own life on Bradford's Buttershaw estate, and was adapted into a very popular film directed by Alan Clark, which was restored and re-released this year by the BFI.

Commenting on the arrival of the production at the Gorbals venue next month, Artistic Director Dominic Hill said:

"Throughout its history the Citizens Theatre has prided itself on providing a space for compelling work that doesn't shy away from controversy or discomfort - this play is a shocking, funny and realistic look at life in Thatcher's Britain from a playwright on the front line of that experience."

"Despite her untimely death Dunbar left a legacy that speaks with great clarity and humour to themes of power, gender and the lives of marginalised individuals and communities."

"I look forward to welcoming this production to the Citizens next month and to giving our audience the chance to experience Andrea's important and original voice for themselves. There will also be an opportunity to debate and discuss the issues raised in the play at a free post-show discussion for ticket holders on Tuesday 13 February."

Tickets for Rita, Sue and Bob Too are available by calling the Citizens Theatre Box Office on 0141 429 0022 or by visiting citz.co.uk. Tickets start from £2 concessions.

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