Educating Rita all set for the stage

By Lindsey Turnbull

Anyone from the UK old enough to have enjoyed the film Educating Rita, starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, are in for a treat as the movie comes to life at the Prospect Playhouse at the end of this month, as Cayman Drama Society is putting on a production of the story with six shows running from 24th January until the 2nd February.

This latest production by CDS is a first for the group of enthusiastic amateur dramatists, as it sees both the producer and director making their debuts in their roles, with Fay Anne de Freitas as director and Liam Oko as the show’s producer. Fay Anne will be assisted by Paul Njoka as assistant director. All three have been involved with previous productions, as Paul directed both Fay Anne and Liam in last year's production of Barefoot in the Park.

The story was originally written as a play back in 1980 and was turned into an award-winning film three years later, for which it was nominated for three Academy Awards. It tells the story of an embittered English tutor called Frank whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Rita is a young hairdresser who is eager to learn. After weeks of cajoling Frank, Rita slowly wins over the very hesitant Frank, refusing to take no for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she has been searching for.

As a result of the story revolving around the two main characters, the CDS production has a cast of only the two actors.

Liam gave some background to the cast.

“Playing Rita is the extremely talented Soraya Moghadass. Soraya has been involved at the Playhouse for many years, appearing in the comedy Not Now Darling in March 2017. She has also played Rudolph in the Playhouse Family Christmas show for numerous years. Playing Frank, we have Adam Roberts. Adam has been acting since he was a young boy. To name off all the shows Adam has been in here at the Playhouse would take too long, but most will probably remember him best for his most recent role as Otto Frank in the production of the Diary of Anne Frank at the Playhouse last September,” he explained.

Liam said that both Adam and Soraya had wanted to put this show on for many years and knew that this year was finally the time to do it.

“What's really special about this show and the way Willy Russel wrote it is that you will laugh and have fun but there are also some very serious bits with an amazing message that will pull at your heart strings,” Liam confirmed. “Educating Rita is a great night out for all. If you want a comedy wrapped in a bit of drama and watch two incredible actors do what they do best, then you will enjoy this show very much!”

Educating Rita opens at the Prospect Playhouse on 24th January and runs for two weeks (six shows) to 2nd February. Tickets can be purchased at www.cds.ky.