Past Productions
Educating Rita
The UCC Players brought their latest masterpiece ‘Educating Rita’ to centre stage at the Aula Maxima, UCC from 15th – 19th May 2022. The heart-warming comedy, written by one of Britain’s greatest playwrights, Willy Russell, starred Jim O’Mahony as Frank, and Karen Ray as Rita, both shaping and adapting the fictional characters into captivating performances. Directed and produced by multi-skilled Brenda Lynch, all creative aspects of the production were so carefully considered – even down to the sweet treats! Many thanks to everyone who so warmly supported this poignant and cherished story. A resounding success and we could not be prouder of this trio!
Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 29 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. What ultimately develops is a realisation that students sometimes make the best teachers.
This heart-warming comedy won the Olivier Award when it was produced in London’s West End by the RSC and was adapted into the multi award-winning film which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine. Written by one of Britain’s greatest playwrights, Willy Russell, this production stars Jim O’ Mahony as Frank and Karen Ray as Rita, and harnesses the real-life academic setting of University College Cork. Directed and produced by Brenda Lynch, Jim O’ Mahony and Karen Ray.