Educating Rita to take to the stage at Dundee Rep from this week

Rehearsals for the show have been taking place this past week (📸 Dundee Rep Theatre)

One of Britain’s most beloved stage plays Educating Rita opens at Dundee Rep Theatre this week.

Written by Willy Russell, the award-winning playwright behind Blood Brothers and Shirley Valentine, the modern classic will run at the Rep from 26 May until 13 June in a brand-new production directed by Debbie Hannan.

Originally first performed in 1980, Educating Rita tells the story of Rita, a lively and ambitious hairdresser who wants more from life, and Frank, a university lecturer struggling with his own frustrations and disappointments.

As the pair begin meeting for Open University tutorials, an unlikely friendship develops between them, exploring themes of education, confidence, class, identity and personal growth.

The new Dundee Rep production stars Grace Galloway as Rita and Richard Conlon as Frank.

Educating Rita later became a hugely successful film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, earning three BAFTA Awards and three Oscar nominations.

Described as funny, heartfelt and deeply human, the production promises a fresh take on a story that has remained popular with audiences for more than four decades.

Dundee Rep has also announced that 50 seats for every performance will be available for £15, with theatregoers encouraged to book early for the best prices.

The creative team behind the production includes set and costume designer Jen McGinley, lighting designer Michaella Fee, and composer and sound designer Oğuz Kaplangi.

Educating Rita runs at Dundee Rep Theatre from 26 May until 13 June.