'One way of describing Educating Rita would be to say that it was
about the meaning of education ... Another would be to say that it was
about the meaning of life. A third, that it is a cross between
Pygmailion and Lucky Jim. A fourth, that it is simply a marvellous play,
painfully funny and passionately serious; a hilarious social
documentary; a fairy-tale with a quizzical, half-happy ending.' Sunday
Times
This new student edition includes an introduction covering the play's
context; chronology; dramatic devices; critical reception; production
history; and key themes such as class and identity, popular culture and
education.
Educating Rita portrays a working-class Liverpool woman's hunger for
education. It premiered at the RSC Warehouse, London, in 1980 and won
the SWET award for Best Comedy of the Year. It was subsequently made
into a highly successful film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters and
won the 1983 BAFTA award for Best Film.
Commentary and notes by Katie Beswick, University of the Arts London.