It has been a tough time for theatres locally and across the country but The Rose in Kingston is finally putting on a number of productions to see the year out.

Educating Rita is the very first of these shows, running between October 28th and November 14th.

We spoke to co-stars Jessica Johnson and Stephen Tompkinson about the play and getting back on the stage.

About Educating Rita

Educating Rita is written by legendary playwright Willy Russell (who also wrote Blood Brothers and Shirley Valentine) and follows the relationship of a 26-year-old Liverpudlian working class hairdresser (Jessica Johnson) and Frank (Stephen Tomkinson), a middle-aged university lecturer, during the course of an academic year.

The play originally debuted in 1980 and was shortly followed up by a film in 1983 starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.

This production celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original.

Jessica said of the play: "It's a classic British comedy about a second chance in life. It is a real bittersweet love story."

Stephen added: "It is a classic - following two people of different backgrounds coming together.

"The words have lasted 40 years - the issues raised are as relevant now as they were back."

The Characters

The play features just the two central characters. Susan (who initially is known as Rita) is a hairdresser looking for a second chance at an education so she signs up to the Open University and is assigned Frank (Tompkinson) as a tutor.

Jessica told us the qualities she admires most in her character. She said: "She's incredibly brave by taking such a big risk.

"Making a change like that is such a huge decision to make. She is so feisty and funny too.

"You can see the influence she has on people. You see on social media saying they've done an 'Educating Rita' by going and getting that education."

Despite being a middle-aged academic with a drinking problem Stephen explains that people can't help but get behind Frank.

He said: "Rita changes his life and you just want to see them together."

The legendary Willy Russell

Stephen spoke of his admiration for the show writer Willy Russell, who wrote the play so that his mother would enjoy it.

He said: "Growing up Willy was a huge inspiration to me. I used to practice this play with my friend from school so now to be in it is fantastic.

"He showed me that theatre was not completely elitist.

"Willy was there for lots of rehearsals and really allowed us to make tweaks to the play.

"Both characters reflect Willy - he's been a hairdresser and been a teacher.

"After Willy watched our first performance of the play he said - 'Thank you for giving me my play back' which was extraordinary."

Getting back to doing what they love

Jessica told us of her excitement of being back in a theatre.

She said: "I've missed that buzz of when you're about to step out on the stage.

"I'm a tart for applause so it'll be great to hear that again too!

"I'm a theatre fan - so I still really miss the social aspect of it."

Stephen also praised his co-stars performance. He said: "Jess is a joy to watch. The play requires great energy and Jess is amazing at providing it.

"She also really brings the best out of me."

The future of theatre

Stephen told us that the last few months have shown that their is still a real appetite for the the arts in this country.

"People turned up to watch the play outdoors through Storm Francis so that shows just how desperate for theatre we are.

"Now more than ever we need escapism and that shared experience."

He also criticised the government's approach to the arts during the pandemic.

He added: "Sometimes they need to look further than the end of their own snouts.

"We've seen theatres close in Blackpool, Southampton and Plymouth and these places need theatres."

Jessica also criticised the government asking people re-train during the pandemic.

She said: "I've dedicated 20 years of my life to this and I can't imagine doing anything else.

"It's in your heart doing this and the arts are vital."

90 minutes of joy

The play is 90 minutes long with no interval and it promises to be an hour and a half of enjoyment.

Jessica also spoke of her excitement of preforming at The Rose.

She said: "I cannot wait to get started at The Rose it is a brand new experience and that is very exciting to me."

Stephen added: "It's a beautiful story - seeing it will make you feel better."

The show will of course be COVID secure with masks required at all times and social distancing to be maintained.

You can buy tickets HERE