EDUCATING RITA

George Henare and Jodie Hillock star in the classic comedy Educating Rita by Willy Russell (author of ‘Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers).

Season 23 Aug through 8 Sept 2012, directed by Adey Ramsel.

Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves. The play became a hit film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

“Warmly written… It is the interchange of feeling and realization of new approaches to life on both sides that make this play of particular interest.” -London Telegraph

“A marvelous play, painfully funny and passionately serious; a hilarious social documentary; a fairy tale with a quizzical, half happy ending.” -London Times

This is the premiere production for Auckland’s latest and freshest theatre company. An initiative between business and the arts, Newmarket Stage Company will operate out of the Factory Theatre, Eden St, Newmarket. It aims to bring high quality professional theatre to Newmarket’s nightlife.

George Henare and Jodie Hillock combine forces to bring this comedy to life for a strictly limited season. Fresh from her triumph as Sylvia in Silo’s Tribes Jodie Hillock is a young Kiwi actress on the rise. George Henare needs no introduction to Auckland audiences, being one of New Zealand’s foremost stage actors.