Two time winners of the All-British Drama festival EVERYMAN PRODUCTIONS SLIGO are determined to banish your winter blues this week with their production of the internationally acclaimed comedy EDUCATING RITA by Willy Russell.

Set in Liverpool in the early 1980’s this wonderfully warm play tells the story of Rita who crashes into Professor Frank Bryant’s life wanting an education, although she has no idea what it is she is asking. Her brash sincerity earns the respect of the academic who has previously resigned himself to a life of empty lectures and booze. Rita’s character is a breath of fresh air for Frank and he begins to care about someone, or something for that matter, for the first time since his wife left him. As each begins to wake up to life in their own way, the story comes to a close as an inspiring tale of self discovery and of the power of choice that comes through education.

Directed by Aine Gilmore this hilarious play explores the relationship between student and tutor through these two wonderful characters.  The title role of Rita is in the capable hands of one of the North West’s finest actresses – Nicola Morrison-Oates, who, according to the shows director, will enthral audiences with her brilliant portrayal of this brash, earthy and complex woman.  Multi-award winning actor, John Caheny takes on the role of world weary professor Frank with his usual polish and aplomb. EDUCATING RITA will run in the Garage Theatre, Monaghan on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th October at 8pm nightly and is definitely one not to be missed.