Simon Armstrong as Frank and Kristin Hutchinson as Rita in The Dukes' staging of Educating Rita -- a thoroughly enjoyable show!

At The Dukes Studio
Until 29 March 2003

Starring Simon Armstrong as Frank and Kristin Hutchinson as Rita

Directed by: Ian Hastings

It's been a long time since I last saw a play in The Dukes studio. I'd forgotten what a terrific space this smaller staging area is, offering an intimacy and involvement with a performed play sometimes lacking in theatre's larger auditorium.

Of course, that involvement with a play -- any play -- is more than helped with a good script and strong performances, and you get both in the Dukes new version of Educating Rita. Not only does Willy Russell's story of a hairdresser out to better herself positively bristle with hilarious comedy and wry observation: it is delivered through two striking performaces from actors Simon Armstrong and Kristin Hutchinson.

Both actors have clearly worked hard to conjure just the right level of sexual chemistry between tutor and student, and they brought their respective characters to much enjoyed life with aplomb. There are many favourite moments in this production, from discussions of how to stage a particular play and how a one line answer does not make an essay, to the more personal moments between the pair as their relationship develops despite many obstacles.

Praise must go not only to the actors but also the director, Ian Hastings, and designer Terry Brown who, aided by contributions from almost every local secondhand bookshop, skilfully creates the lived in, near "organic" impression of a tutor's bookish college room.

When they announced their decision to stage plays in the round late last year, the Dukes seemed to be concerned they were taking a big risk and the experiment might fail. On the evidence of Educating Rita, the experiment has proven a brilliant success and any minor flaws -- such as occasional lapses in accents -- are easily forgotten as you are swept along in what I'd describe as a joyful and much needed celebration of humanity's search for both answers and identity.

This is a wonderful play, beautifully told and brilliantly performed. "V. Good," was how my wife summed it up. V. Good it is.

John Freeman

• Also at The Dukes until 29 March: Oleanna by David Mamet. Read a review by Paul Wilkinson