WILLY Russell's classic comedy Educating Rita is the next offering from Riverside Drama Company when they return to the stage at long Eaton's Duchess Theatre on Thursday, June 26 to Saturday, June 28. 

Russell's masterpiece was made into a highly memorable feature film in 1983 starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine. 

The story is based around Rita, played by Liz O'Hara, a young wife working as a hairdresser in the early 1980s, who is determined to escape her working class background by improving her education. She enrols in the Open University, and is assigned to Frank, Martin Holtom, an ex-poet who is only teaching to subsidise his drinking problem.

Rita's burning ambitions and desire to 'know everything' contrast sharply with Frank's disillusionment with the English course he teaches. 

He is concerned that by teaching her the accepted truths she will lose all that is wonderful and unique about herself. 

The clash of cultures results in a very funny play which celebrates the joy of individual expression, as Frank finds himself recapturing some of his former enthusiasm for English and life. 

Frank and Rita embark on a highly enjoyable voyage of discovery that seems to promise friendship at least - a voyage which, nevertheless, threatens to change both their lives irrevocably.

Riverside's production of Educating Rita also marks the debut as director of Riverside's on-stage regular Paul Norris.

Tickets are available at £5 and £3.50 for concessions from the theatre box office, or by phoning 0115 8750506. For further details about the group, visit the website at www.riversidedrama.com.