The reviews are in for Educating Rita, Curve’s own revival of Willy Russell’s two-hander, which had its press night in Leicester on 1 October. Cara Nolan directs Alexandra Mardell as Rita, the Liverpool hairdresser who signs up with the Open University, and Dominic Mafham as Frank, the tutor drinking his way through his career. Most of the critics are won over. Mardell is a big part of why. East Midlands Theatre says her performance alone is worth the ticket price, and British Theatre Guide calls her excellent. WhatsOnStage is the one that pushes back: it finds the lines rattled off too fast and no real connection between the pair.
The verdict: six reviews in so far. Five carry a rating: four four-star notices and one three-star, an average of 3.8 out of 5. British Theatre Guide publishes no score. Mardell’s Rita is praised in almost every notice; WhatsOnStage is the dissenting voice on the production.
What are critics saying about Educating Rita?
West End Best Friend
Reviewer: Leanne Walpole
"Mardell cleverly creates a captivating Rita with comic timing on point. As she steadily emerges as the woman she wants to be, despite the ups and downs she faces, the confidence she has developed is palpable. By contrast, Frank’s demise is a painful watch as we will him to rise from the embers of his career with the support of his new friend. Mafham expertly captures the frustration and despair of Frank as he spirals deeper and further out of control. Despite the cast comprising of two excellent actors, the chemistry between the characters could be a little more intense, and at times the pace slows a little to allow this to fully develop."
Theatre and Tonic
Reviewer: Hollie
Nolan has brought together a first class cast in both Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham who play characters Rita and Frank respectively. Separately, both are exceptional actors who bring humbleness, humour and honesty to their roles. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Their conversational dialogue bounces off each other naturally and they have a wonderful acting relationship. If you are looking to have a dead good time then you are in for a belter of a night!
East Midlands Theatre
"As Rita, Mardell is so captivating one might believe the script was written with her in mind. As she paces Frank’s study, not a single word is wasted as she makes Russell’s memorable lines her own. Underneath her witty retorts and wide-eyed fascination, Rita’s vulnerability is exposed in Mardell’s at times heartbreaking portrayal."
WhatsOnStage
Reviewer: Amarjeet Singh
"The brilliance of Educating Rita lies in the precision of Russell’s dialogue and the shifting dynamics between its two central characters. This production has the words but rarely the emotional truth behind them. Most significantly, there is no convincing connection between Rita and Frank. Their relationship lacks the warmth and authenticity required to make their eventual drift from fascination to friction, and finally to a bittersweet parting, fully convincing. We never truly grasp what that transformation costs either character. As a result, the comedy and poignancy of Russell’s play never achieve the impact they promise."
British Theatre Guide
Reviewer: Sally Jack
"A lot depends on the chemistry between Frank and Rita. Mardell and Mafham navigate their characters’ changing situations and attitudes well and show the blurring lines between who is the teacher and student. As Rita’s own understanding and independence blossoms, Frank shrinks into himself and withers, his vanity exposed."
Also reviewed by: The Stage (Holly Williams, four stars, "Goes down a charm"), whose review sits behind a paywall.
Production photographs by Jonathan Pryke.
For more verdicts from beyond the West End, read our roundups of Murder Before Evensong at the Watermill Theatre and Barnum at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Educating Rita runs at Curve, Leicester, until 17 October 2026.
