Anna Crawford and Anna Cottrell, both acting graduates from the Ensemble studio, have spread their wings, and are giving producing a try.

For their first foray into this new arena, the two Anna’s have played it safe, choosing British playwright Willy Russell’s perennial favourite, ‘Educating Rita’ (1980). They also choose two fine actors from the Ensemble ‘stable’ to perform the piece.

‘Educating Rita’ remains a great advertisement for adult education with its portrayal of determined, extroverted 26 year old hairdresser Rita who feels a gap in her life and decides that it’s time she went off and got herself an education. She goes and takes a course in English through her local Open University under the tutelage of veteran educator, Dr Frank Bryant.

Anna Crawford helmed the production which flowed well and was solid all round.

Michael Ross was well cast as Dr Frank Bryant. He was convincing as the cynical, ageing academic who loves a bit of a drink, and gets a new lease of life from educating Rita.

Catherine McGraffin impressed as Rita. Hers was a very focused and energised performance. It will be worth watching to see how she goes in roles that haven’t already been so well navigated.

The actors were aided by performing in an immaculately designed set, perfectly recreating an academic’s book-lined office.

‘Educating Rita’ plays the Tap Gallery, Darlinghurst until the 22nd March.