Willy Russell Educating Rita
Educating Rita A production of Willy Russell's comedy, a sparky and touching portrayal of the relationship between a working-class Open University student and her alcohol-fuelled tutor. Rita: Laura Dos Santos Frank: Bill Nighy Producer/Director: Kirsty Williams The Saturday Play: First broadcast: Sat 26th Dec 2009 14:30 on BBC Radio 4 FM
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
| Willy Russell | 1:25:12 |
Reviews
Brit modern classic
MPDMedia
This play should be part of American college curriculum when teaching modern literature. I've seen other sharp plays, like Twilight: Los Angeles, and M. Butterfly included in literary anthologies for such courses. Educating Rita should also be included. Students would be able to identify with Susan White, the protagonist from 'the masses', who self-styles as Rita. Frank, the alcoholic has-been poet who is her tutor, exists on many a college campus -- tenured or not. Their platonic relationship, which veers into the romantic, is also a great object lesson in the 'me too' era. The leading lady here does a good job of putting the character across without aping Julie Walters (who originally played her on the London stage, and film) too much. Bill Nighy is pretty good too, but so lethargic he's no comparison to Michael Caine, who really fleshed out the role in the film.
Thank you for your comment!
radioannouncer
It is much appreciated. When I was in high school my English teacher had us read The Great Gatsby which was not part of the curriculum.
Cape Codder
One of the best works I’ve heard on LibriVox! The actors did a superb job. Enjoyed it so much, I listened to it twice - Thank you!!
Keith Horvath
Excellent actors. So entertaining & well worth listening too.