Educating Rita, first performed in 1980 and the subject of a film starring Michael Caine, is a mixed bag. Dealing with a formula relationship that follows a familiar arc, the playwright never seeks to challenge convention or establish new ground, this play is the epitome of a good story well told. Regardless of the comfort of the setting, the book-filled office of a career academic, or the cosiness of the characters, an alcoholic middle-aged professor and a Liverpudlian hairdresser on a quest for self-improvement, the play works.

This is in large part due to the performances of the cast. Rita is performed by Claire Sweeney, who lacks any nuance, and whose Scouse accent is highly suspect. Regardless of these niggles, she truly grows into the role, and handles Rita’s transformation from uneducated duckling to academic swan with some verve. It is Matthew Kelly however, who steals the show. Kelly brings to Frank a loud, barking, hoarse voice that speaks of ‘one too many’ several times over. His Frank is cantankerous but approachable, possessed of a certain bruised altruism that eventually shines through. Frank as a character is a cliché lovable curmudgeon, but Kelly plays the role with such skill that he feels fresh, new and real.

The set design was clearly handled by someone who had a very definite perspective on events. Throughout, a great attention to detail shines through, from the placing of individual books on certain shelves, to the bottles of booze hidden behind them, and the performance as a whole gains from this. As for costume design, Rita is particularly well handled. Whereas Frank wears literally the same clothes throughout, Rita’s dress is designed to demonstrate the evolution of her character, from self-doubting Scouse-wife to educated and confident, moving from leg warmers and neon dresses to floaty denim throughout the course of the performance.

Overall, Educating Rita is a highly enjoyable play with a great deal to recommend it. Any niggles present are due to small weaknesses in the writing and are thoroughly overcome by the skill with which the production is handled by both the cast and the technical crew. Go and see this, you will not be disappointed.

Educating Rita is on until June 9.