EDUCATING RITA to Return to Curve Theatre in New Production This Autumn
Associate Director Cara Nolan helms Willy Russell's classic at the Leicester venue.
Willy Russell's comedy of classrooms and the class-system, EDUCATING RITA, will be revived as a new Made at Curve production at the Leicester theatre this autumn.
EDUCATING RITA will run in Curve's Studio Theatre Saturday 26 September to Saturday 17 October and will be directed by Curve's Associate Director Cara Nolan. The drama follows the success of the theatre's acclaimed 2025 production of Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia Woolf?, also directed by Nolan.
Set and costumes will be designed by Michael Taylor (THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Curve), with lighting design by Katy Morison (PUBLIC – THE MUSICAL, Curve) and sound design by Jack Baxter (WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia Woolf?, Curve). Casting is by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Galacher Casting.
It's never too late to start again…
Bright-eyed twenty-something Susan 'Rita' White dreams of making more of her life. Armed with an interest in literature and unwavering determination, she enrols in the Open University, forming an unlikely friendship with disillusioned and dishevelled Frank – her self-proclaimed “appalling teacher”. Through their weekly tutorials, they challenge each other into a life-changing journey of self-discovery.
Hailing from Liverpool, Willy Russell is one of our most celebrated playwrights. With a career spanning over five decades, Russell's plays and musicals include the epoch defining BLOOD BROTHERS, OUR DAY OUT and SHIRLEY VALENTINE. EDUCATING RITA first premiered in 1980 at The Donmar Warehouse, with Julie Walters in the titular role. The play catapulted Walters to stardom and she went on to reprise the role in the 1983 film adaptation opposite Michael Caine, for which both actors earned respective BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards, alongside Oscar nominations. Russell himself also received BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for his screenplay.
Curve's Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“Rita has been a vibrant and vital part of our culture for the past forty years and it's always a pleasure to say hello to her again and see a new production of Willy Russell's epoch-defining play.
“Russell is pretty unique in British theatre, as he has remained committed to celebrating working-class stories throughout his career. As these stories and characters feature less frequently on our stages and screens, it feels increasingly important these plays remain in the repertoire. Director Cara Nolan delivered a sensational production of WHO'S AFRAID OF Virginia Woolf? in the Studio Theatre last year and we are thrilled Cara will now bring her insight and imagination to this great play.
“The very best of live theatre, Willy's plays are hilarious, life-affirming and remain an electrifying plea for equality.”
The run of EDUCATING RITA at Curve will be accompanied by educational activity including a free digital Learning Pack and a Theatre Day on Thursday 15 October, where audience members of all ages can learn more about the play and the show's creation.
EDUCATING RITA will run at Curve 26 September to 17 October 2026. Tickets will be on sale to Made at Curve Circle, Champions and Patrons from Tuesday 2 June, to Curve Friends from Wednesday 3 June, to Curve Loyalty Pass holders, Groups and Access Register customers from Thursday 4 June and on general sale from Tuesday 9 June, all at 12pm midday.
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