Educating Rita, Liverpool Playhouse 

Willy Russell's classic is home. And though it was written in 1979, it remains a timeless piece of theatrical storytelling.

Two actors flesh-out Willy's words. The cast may vary across the world when it is still performed 35 years on, but the play remains the same.

Frank, a disillusioned tutor who likes a wee dram or two, reluctantly awaits the arrival of an Open University student called Rita.

A hairdresser with attitude - a cut above the rest who wants to learn.

Her real name is Sue. Rita is her 'pen' name, so to speak.

There are those who have never seen the original two-hander on stage.

Many have seen the award-winning Julie Walters and Michael Caine version, and now there is no better chance to see it as it was orginally written, and relish the dialogue and inter-action between two people who spark off each other.

Designer Conor Murphy has created a wonderful setting for this creative confrontation to take place.

Frank's study is like a Roman Colliseum of books topped by a Cistine Chapel-styled dome effect.

Music is sublime throughout thanks to composer Peter Coyte.

Above your head you see paintings and clouds drift by.

The play, however, takes place in the serious study. And here all our heads and all our hearts are discussed and disected as Peer Gynt and Willliam Blake are questioned anoutvtheir literary legacy.

Clever stuff. We all know a Rita. We all know a Frank.

Leanne Best as the lovely Rita is metre made (geddit) to have a love affair with poetry and literature.

Con O'Neill's weary Frank speaks his mind and sometimes the liquer of life (hidden behind his book shelves) drowns out his regrets.

Is he a poet who can't find the ryhme and reason anymore?

Or should he just accept he is a great teacher?

Con is convincing throughout as Frank. He has real chemistry with Leanne on her best behaviour.

That's enough play on words.

I need more tuition. Nobody does word play better than Willy Russell. A very funny opening takes you on two different journeys.

At the end you will realise that we are all still at the crossroads.

We just need characters - beautifully crafted like Frank and Rita - to point us in the right or wrong direction.

Rita saw the road ahead. Frank (probably even now) is having one for the road.

The magic of Educating Rita is that it highlights choice.

We all have it - but it's how we deal with it that shapes us.

This 2015 production directed by Gemma Bodinetz is somethimg you should choose to see.

You won't regret it.

Welcome home Rita, Frank and Willy.

Verdict: Masterclass. 5 stars.

At the Liverpool Playhouse till March 7.

Box office: 0151 709 4776.