AWARD winners will be arriving in Bolton in the New Year to helping bring much-loved tale to the stage.

Better known as the 1983 film starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, Educating Rita is coming to the Octagon Theatre next month.

The Willy Russell play is an uplifting story of self-discovery through which witnesses how the power of choice comes through education and is being staged as a collaboration between the Octagon and Derby Theatre.

Director Elizabeth Newman said: "Educating Rita is an important story that needs to be told now. Willy Russell’s uplifting masterpiece champions the idea that, as people, we can find freedom through education and therefore gain choice in your life.

"It feels vital in 2017 that we share these ideas and celebrate curiosity with our audiences.

"This is a play that I feel very passionately about and it’s a huge privilege to be able to bring it to life here in Bolton and in Derby. We are very excited to be working with Derby Theatre again. We are also thrilled to welcome David and Jessica back to the Octagon stage."

Taking on the leading roles are Jessica Baglow, as fiery hairdresser Rita who decides to find independence by earning an education, and David Birrell, as her a middle-aged English Literature university who she inspires into looking at life differently.

Jessica has received an Ian Charleson Award commendation for her performance as Marina in Pericles at London's Globe Theatre and was awarded a Manchester Theatre Award for her role as Poppy in the ensemble of Noises Off at the Octagon.

She has recently performed in The Winter’s Tale at the Globe Theatre and returns to the Octagon's after appearing in last year's production of The Family Way.

David is also a returning actor for the Octagon, winning two Manchester Theatre Awards for his roles in An Enemy of the People and Journey’s End, both at the Octagon.

His Bolton performance follows on from a role as Badger in The Wind in the Willows at Theatre Royal Plymouth and in the National 2016 Tour.

Educating Rita run at the Octagon from January 19 to February 11 and is sponsored by Manchester Airport.