OVER the past two weeks hundreds of theatre-goers have been enthralled by the world inside a tiny tutor room.

Since hitting the Octagon Theatre stage last month, Educating Rita has proved a hit with audiences.

With just a week to go, its two-person cast have shared their experiences bringing the much-loved story to Bolton.

Jessica Barlow plays Rita - a fiery hairdresser who has decided to pursue an education with the hopes of improving her life.

She said: “It’s been really a lot of fun. The audience has been very responsive and very enthusiastic.

“The idea of wanting more from life and improving yourself through education is so eloquently and simply expressed that you can hear people sitting still and being taken on the journey. It’s a lovely thing to happen.

“I’ve enjoyed Rita’s journey massively and the way her relationship with Frank changes. It’s a joy to do.

“She could be from any place, her story is still true to many people event today.”

Educating Rita is best known to many for its 1983 film adaption starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine.

But the two-person stage comedy by by British playwright Willy Russell actually came first.

David Birrell plays disillusioned English Literature tutor Frank.

He said: “The story is the real star of the show, not the film or the play.

“Russell said something along the lines that it could appeal to a audience full of Rita’s and equally an audience full of Frank’s.

“At the Octagon, because you perform in the round, you much more aware of the audience. They are the third character in the room.

“I’ve never known an audience to affect a show so much as they do here.

“Speaking to someone after they said it was like they were right there in Frank’s room.

“You are stuck in a rehearsal room, just the two of us, so it is a joy to final get that audience reaction when you are on stage.”

Educating Rita is on at the Octagon theatre Bolton until February 11.

To book tickets call 01204 520661 or visit www.octagonbolton.co.uk.