READING Repertory Theatre is gearing up to welcome a stage classic later this month, featuring a smattering of famous faces.
The company is bringing Willy Russell’s celebrated Educating Rita to the boards in February.
It will see the return of award-winning director Annie Kershaw, fresh from her production for The Maids last year.
Meanwhile the production will welcome Madelyn Smedley in the title role, following her rise to fame on the BBC’s hit reality show The Traitors.
Following her appearance on the show, Smedley has built a considerable reputation with a string of high-profile appearances in the like of EastEnders, Casualty, Hollyoaks, and Call The Midwife, as well as the short film Roy.
She has also performed in productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bitter, and Mystedrious Maud, all following training at Guildford School of Acting and with the National Youth Theatre.
Smedley will be joined by stage and screen actor Julius D’Silva, who polays Frank, hot on the heels of his role as R.F Simpson in the recent smash-hit Singin’ In The Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
D’Silva has also made appearances in classics such as The Cherry Orchard at Bristol Old Vic, The Producers at Machester’s Royal Exchange, and both Anne Boleyn and Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe.
He has also made appearances in hits such as Netflix’s Bridgerton and The Crown, as well as Syfy’s Highlander, and The Ten Commandments for ABC.
Rounding out the team is set and costume design from Cara Evans, sound design from Holly Khan, and lighing design from Adam Jeffreys.
It also features casting direction from Jill Green, costume supervision from Beth Qualter Buncall, speech and dialect coaching from Mary Howland, and production management from Jordan Harris.
Madelyn said of taking on the role of Rita: “My mum said to lead with empathy, drive and ambition which Rita has in abundance.
“What we can all relate to is the want for a better way of living life; self-belief and Rita’s desire to learn means anything is possible. I love that.
“Rita’s background does not define her potential–if anything it spurs her on.”
Director Annie Kershaw said: “This play is life-affirming and brilliantly funny, but it also raises interesting provocations about the choices we make in life and how class and gender affect them.
“It really does have all the elements–I’m excited to see what audiences make of it.”
Educating Rita runs at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, from February 26 to March 21, including matinee performances on Saturdays and accessible performances.
Full details and tickets available from: readingrep.com/whats-on/educating-rita
