A PROFESSIONAL theatre company located in the midst of the glorious North York Moors National Park is presenting one of the UK’s best-loved comedies this summer.

Willy Russell’s Educating Rita was voted Comedy of the Year for 1980 in the Society of West End Theatre Awards (now the Oliviers), while the film version saw stars Michael Caine and Julie Walters nominated for Oscars, and winning Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

Frank, a whisky-loving middle-aged English tutor, seems to be drinking himself towards oblivion when his world is rocked by the arrival of Rita, a working-class girl from Liverpool. She bursts in with a raw energy and a hunger to be educated that takes Frank by surprise. He starts to teach her but soon questions the value of his efforts: who is receiving the greater lesson, the pupil or the teacher?

Esk Valley Theatre is presenting an updated version of this funny, thought-provoking play.

Directed by Mark Stratton, Frank and Rita are portrayed in this new production by Ian Crowe, who local theatregoers may remember from his role as the flamboyant Sven Gali in Aladdin at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre at Christmas 2014, and a young talent from Liverpool, actress Amy Spencer.

Director Mark Stratton said: “We all like to root for the underdog who overcomes adversity, and that’s a great reason to do a play like Educating Rita.”

Design and lighting is by Graham Kirk, and costumes by Christine Wall.

Educating Rita can be seen at 7.30pm Mondays to Saturdays from August 11 to September 3, with 2.30pm matinees on August 13, 20, 18, 23, 25 and 30 and September 1.

Tickets are £13 (concessions £12). To book, phone the box office on 01947 897587.

For more information, go to eskvalleytheatre.co.uk