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Manchester theatre: Educating Rita

Susie Stubbs

Willy Russell’s classic comedy enjoys a fresh revival by Library Theatre Company.

It may have spent the summer mining Manchester’s political and clubbing past with the site-specific, Peterloo-influenced play, Manchester Sound, but the Library Theatre Company takes an altogether more classic theatrical turn this autumn with its version of Educating Rita. Set in a book-lined study deep in the heart of an unspecified redbrick northern University (we like to think it’s in Manchester), world-weary lecturer Frank is ready to give up. But in need of some extra cash, he agrees to tutor Rita, totally unaware of the whirlwind about to enter his world. As part of the Manchester Weekender, catch Russell’s much-loved play in its final weekend. The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, M50 3AZ, (26 Sep-12 Oct), times vary, from £12/£10 concessions. 

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