Curve theatre in Leicester has announced casting for its upcoming autumn revival of Willy Russell’s Educating Rita, with Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham taking the lead roles. The production offers fresh perspectives on Russell’s enduring comedy drama, running from 26 September to 17 October.

Curve’s Made at Curve production of Educating Rita will open on 26 September, exploring the story of Susan ‘Rita’ White, who enrols in the Open University and forms an unlikely friendship with her dishevelled teacher, Frank.

Alexandra Mardell will play the title role of Rita, describing the character as “iconic, and still so relevant today,” and calling the part “a dream role for a Northern actress to play.”

Opposite Mardell, Dominic Mafham takes on the role of Frank, calling the play “very funny but also deeply moving,” and praising the character as “such a rich and complex” role.

The production is directed by Curve’s associate director Cara Nolan, following her recent staging of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the venue last autumn.

Helena Rimmer and Earl Carpenter are cast as covers for the roles of Rita and Frank respectively. Michael Taylor designs the set and costumes, with lighting by Katy Morison and sound by Jack Baxter.

Casting has been undertaken by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting. The company includes assistant director Martha Kent, Curve’s resident creative, and Birkbeck resident assistant director Bentleigh Nesbit.

Accessible performances are planned, including captioned (8 October, 7pm), British Sign Language interpreted (9 October, 7pm), and audio described shows with a touch tour (17 October, 2pm; touch tour from 12:30pm).