We’re pleased to announce that two of the UK’s best-known television faces, Gillian Kearney and Philip Bretherton, will be starring in our production of Educating Rita at The Lowry this autumn.
One of the classic late 20th century plays of British theatre, Willy Russell’s hilarious comedy was inspired by the author’s experiences of returning to education as an adult. Brash hairdresser Rita wants to better herself; world-weary lecturer Frank is ready to give up. But in need of some extra cash, he agrees to tutor Rita, totally unaware of the whirlwind about to enter his world.
Amongst many roles on TV, Liverpool-born Gillian Kearney played Jessica Harrison in BBC1’s Casualty and Debbie McGrath in Brookside on Channel 4. Between 2005-2007, she played Sue in Shameless, also on Channel 4. The pick of many stage credits might be her performance as the titular character in Hedda Gabler at Liverpool Playhouse. She was also Cordelia in King Lear, and Lucy in The Rivals, both at the Royal Exchange.
A graduate of Manchester University, Preston-born Philip Bretherton played Alistair Deacon in nine series of BBC1’s hugely popular sitcom As Time Goes By. He also appeared as scheming football manager Stefan Hauser, a role loosely based on former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, in ITV’s hit drama Footballers’ Wives, and appeared as car sales manager Ian Davenport, who had an affair with Sally, in ITV’s Coronation Street. He played George in Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? at the Royal Exchange Theatre and his last appearance with the Library Theatre Company was in Alan Ayckbourn’s Joking Apart in March 1990 at the Forum Theatre in Wythenshawe.
Educating Rita runs from Thu 26 Sep – Sat 12 Oct 2013. You can book tickets online here or from The Lowry Box Office on 0843 208 6010.