Educating Rita - Maskers Theatre Company

The Maskers' Studio Theatre

2^nd - 7^th February 2026

at 7:30pm.

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Telephone bookings 0333 666 3366

'Two very different worlds collide'

She wanted to learn everything: he might just lose it all!

Rita is a 26-year-old hairdresser who joins an Open University course to improve her life and escape her working-class background. She is paired with Frank, a jaded, alcoholic literature professor who has lost his passion for teaching. Despite their differences, an unexpected bond forms as Rita’s fresh perspective and determination challenges Frank’s cynicism, and he helps nurture her academic growth. As their relationship evolves, both are forced to confront personal doubts, fears, and ambitions proving that education can be a powerful force for transformation in both students and teachers.

Who is educating who?

Director & Cast

The Director of this production is Jenni Prior
Jenni joined Maskers in November 2023 for Almost Maine, and has a long history of acting, directing and backstage roles before Maskers. She directed the sell-out production of Bill Bryson’s Notes for a Small Island last year and was the joint director of Murder in the Studio and assistant director for Winter Sparkles. Jenni also has the demanding role of Marketing Director for the company.

Rita - the student is played by Tash Priddle
Tash joined Maskers in 2024 playing Brenda Dixon in Cash on Delivery and then played the murdering Julia in Murder in the Studio. Most recently, she was part of the outdoor summer show, Romeo and Juliet, playing Petra.

Frank - the professor is played by Ruben Sanchez-Garcia
Ruben joined Maskers in 2010 and has since acted, directed and helped backstage in a number of shows. He has particularly fond memories of his first show with the Maskers, Treasure Island in 2011, as well as playing Peter in Zoo Story and Andrey in Afterplay, and directing both Butterfly Kiss in the Maskers Studio, and an open-air production of Don Quixote at Hamptworth. He most recently played Nils Bohr in Copenhagen at the Maskers Studio. As a university professor in real life, he feels slightly typecast but is still looking forward to playing Frank in this classic two-hander.

Creative Team

Production Manager
Meri Mackney

Stage Manager
tba

Set Design
Jenni Prior & Clive Weeks

Set Construction
tba

Set Painting
tba

Lighting Design
Emily Smith

Sound Design
tba

Lighting & Sound Operators
tba

Wardrobe & Costumes
tba

Properties & Set Dressing
Teo Rusu

Rehearsal Prompt
tba

Show Photography
tba

Poster Design
Clive Weeks

Ticket Information

Tickets £16.50

No concessions

Customers are requested to arrive promptly as late comers cannot be admitted. PLEASE NOTE: Doors do not open until 7pm!

On arrival at the Masker’s Studio

Please give your name (or the name the tickets were booked under) to our Box Office receptionist, and they will confirm your booking.
If you have pre-ordered a programme you will be given it on arrival. Programmes will also be available for purchase from a FOH member.
For the safety of all our audience members and staff are still operating some Covid risk reduction actions. Please use the hand sanitising stations on arrival. We will also be increasing the fresh air circulating throughout the venue.
Wearing of face coverings is optional.
Our bar will be open for purchases of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We would encourage you to pre-order your interval drinks, to assist our bar staff and reduce crowding at the bar.
We are now able to take, and prefer, card payments but can also take cash.

During your visit

A stairlift and disabled toilet facilities are available.
Hand sanitiser will be available for your use at various points around the theatre building.
We have installed an extra extractor fan to vent studio air to the outside pulling fresh air in from the other side of the building.
Where possible windows will also remain open. This may make the venue cooler than you are used to, so please be prepared.
Enhanced cleaning will take place throughout the venue before, and after the performance.
The taking of photographs or videos whilst the show is on is not permitted.

Exiting the building/event at the end of the performance

When leaving, please do not crowd the stairwell and allow everyone to leave easily and quickly.
As you go down the alleyway, please take extra care and keep to the marked footpath as the road is very uneven.
Please take any rubbish with you or leave it in the bins provided.

What if I have specific access needs?

The stair chair lift is available and our FOH staff will assist you should you need to use it.
Any other requirements may be discussed with our Box Office manager in advance of your arrival.

What happens if a show is cancelled?

If we are required to cancel a performance, we will offer you tickets for an alternative performance.

Poster, Flyer & Programme

A4 Poster

Flyer

Programme
Available after the performance

For the Maskers

Technical Manager:- Jamie McCarthy; Lighting Consultant:- Clive Weeks; Sound Consultant:- Jamie McCarthy; Marketing Team:- Jenni Prior, Angela Stansbridge, Tash Priddle, Clive Weeks, Robert Osborne, Meri Mackney, Paul Baker; Front of House Manager:- James Lawson; Box Office Manager:- Chris Baker; Photographers:- Clive Weeks, Donald Coe, Ian Wilson; Bar Manager:- Meri Mackney