THEATRE REVIEW: Educating Rita ★★★

 Educating Rita

The Minack Theatre, Cornwall

Tuesday 18th - Sunday 30th August 2020

Following the Government's guidance that outdoor performances could resume from Saturday 11th July 2020, Willy Russell's Educating Rita, which was first performed in June 1980, sees it's remount of the production for this very special 40th anniversary in the most glorious of venues, The Minack Theatre, which boasts the most remarkable view, something that can most certainly be adhered to, and certainly makes up for the lack of spectacle from some creative decisions in terms of set for this production.

With Stephen Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson as Frank and Rita respectfully, the action on stage is none other than pure hilarity, as Rita is determined to be tutored and find a real passion within her life, where her relationships otherwise flounder. Together, Max Roberts clearly states through his direction the real struggle that our two protagonists create as they both fight for shaping the other to be a better person, and you can really feel the warmth, contrary to the venue's setting on a rather breezy afternoon, when Frank and Rita return from the theatre, the very first encounter that Rita has ever had, and first finds her love for delving deeper in the culture.

With any outdoor performance, technically elements fall wayside, especially with the natural weather taking over its place, but The Minack really should be commended for this crisp sound design that resonates throughout the 750 seat capacity. Every word and musical score is echoed and really makes you feel like you're right up close to the action no matter where you're sat.

Overall, whilst the play may have been written in 1980, the story feels as fresh in today's times as it did back then, with Tompkinson and Johnson giving an almighty go at the lengthy text, and create real chemistry that oozes around one the most, if not the most, stunning of outdoor venues that the UK has to offer.