A GEM of British theatre is coming to Malvern Theatres.

Educating Rita tells the story of the relationship between a feisty Liverpudlian hairdresser and a jaded university professor.

Rita (Claire Sweeney) has a passion for literature and is intent upon self-improvement. Frank’s disillusionment with life has driven him to the bottle.

As Rita grapples with the trials of education, Frank (Matthew Kelly) learns to believe in himself again.

Matthew Kelly is one of the UK’s best-loved actors.

He won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Lenny in Of Mice and Men and received wide acclaim for his performance in TV drama Cold Blood. His recent stage roles range from the musicals Spamalot, Lend Me A Tenor, and Legally Blonde to Troilus and Cressida and Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellan in the West End.

Claire Sweeney has a string of credits from stage and screen including Brookside, Loose Women, Chicago and Guys & Dolls opposite Patrick Swayze and Don Johnson.

Educating Rita won the 1980 Society of West End Theatres award for Best Play.

Since then, the show has never been out of production somewhere in the world. The film version starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine was Oscar-nominated and won three BAFTA awards.

Educating Rita is at Malvern Theatres from Monday to Saturday, May 14 to 19, at 8pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets cost from £17.50, and are available by calling the box office on 01684 892277 or online at malvern-theatres.co.uk.