1. Educating Rita - IpSkip Productions
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by Nathaniel Mason(subscribe)
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Event: 10/01/2017 - 14/01/2017
A thirst to gain knowledge and knowledge to quench a thirst
A thirst to gain knowledge and knowledge to quench a thirst brings Frank and Rita together
in an unlikely combination and commentary on psyche and society. IpSkip Productions are
proud to present Educating Rita in their premiere production at The Bakehouse Theatre this
January.
Written by Willy Russell, Educating Rita takes audiences on a journey with Rita, who enrols
in an Open University course in English Literature and her tutor, Frank. Each of whom have
their own opinions on life, culture and society. Ideas which are given perspective through
time spent with each other as the show explores themes of personal growth, attitudes and
expectations over their year together. "I wanted to make a play which engaged and was
relevant to those who considered themselves uneducated, those whose daily language is not
the language of the university or the theatre. I wanted to write a play which would attract, and
be as valid, for the Ritas in the audience as well as the Franks." says Russell on reflection of
writing the play.

2. Educating Rita will be the premiere production of IpSkip Productions
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IpSkip Productions will feature two seasoned performers in this two-hander with Lauren
Renee as the sassy student, Rita and James McCluskey-Garcia as the tainted, tipsy Frank.
Renee recently treaded the boards as the title role in Mary Poppins for Matt Byrne Media and
as the Philadelphian socialite, Tracy Lord, in The Philadelphia Story for the Therry Dramatic
Society. Of matching calibre, McCluskey-Garcia brings extensive theatre experience across
amateur and professional productions to the role, most recently appearing as Juror 2 in 12
Angry Men for Matt Byrne Media.
Producer and director, Nathan Quadrio comments on the appeal of this production for both
audiences and cast alike: "At it's heart it's just about people trying to get something out of
life. Rita wants to make more of herself despite class restrictions and Frank makes his way
along as a functioning alcoholic. These are realistic human characters. They can be funny and
heartfelt. They have feelings and flaws. These characters are so engaging and that's why I
chose to produce this play. Our production has tried to step back from what other productions
have done and just give the script what it needs. Willy Russell's writing is beautifully layered
and we've taken his word as gospel here - from acting choices to set design. That's not to say
we haven't taken any allowances but we're striving to create a production that serves this
fabulous piece of writing in the best possible way" he says.

3. Lauren Renee as Rita
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Educating Rita is the premiere production of IpSkipProductions, a company dedicated to
creating quality theatre and arts opportunities. "We've done our best to keep ticket prices
down so that as many people as possible can access this show. In the future we would love to
provide equal access shows to those who may not be able to get out to the theatre as well as
educational opportunities for those who might not normally be able to afford or access
training in the arts. Educating Rita is about a woman from a lower-class background who
tries to climb the social strata through education. It is this theme that IpSkip Productions aims
to uphold in all of its endeavours" says Quadrio.

4. With set design by Nathan Quadrio and Hannah Tulip, illuminated by Alex Hatchard's
lighting design, the entire team is thrilled to be bringing Russell's heart-warming comedy to
the Adelaide stage.
James McCluskey-Garcia as Frank
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Educating Rita will be performed at The Bakehouse Theatre, 255 Angas St, Adelaide and
runs for a strictly limited season of six shows;
Tuesday, 10 January 2017 - 8:00pm
Wednesday, 11 January 2017 - 8:00pm
Thursday, 12 January 2017 - 8:00pm
Friday, 13 January 2017 - 8:00pm
Saturday, 14 January 2017 - 8:00pm
Saturday, 14 January 2017 - 2:00pm
Ticket prices are $18 for all performances. Tickets are available at
www.bakehousetheatre.com/shows/educating-rita