AN AWARD-WINNING comedy will be coming to Mold's theatre this spring.

Actor Stephen Tompkinson will star in a brand new stage production of Willy Russell's Great British Comedy - Education Rita, along with Jessica Johnson as Rita.

Educating Rita tells the story of married hairdresser Rita, who enrols on an Open University Course to expand her horizons, and her encounters with university tutor Frank. Frank is a frustrated poet, brilliant academic and dedicated drinker, who is less enthusiastic about teaching Rita. Tensions rise, cultures clash and they quickly discover how much they can teach each other.

The comedy was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and played at the Warehouse Theatre, London in 1980, starring Julie Walters and Mark Kingston. Julie Walters famously reprised her role in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning film opposite Michael Caine.

Willy Russell is also known for Blood Brothers and Shirley Valentines and continues to be one of the most celebrated writers of his generation.

Educating Rita can be seen at Theatr Clwyd (Theatr Anthony Hopkins) from Monday, May 20 to Saturday June 1. Monday – Saturday 7.30pm and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced from £16 are available from the Theatre Clwyd Box Office on 01352 701521 or at www.theatrclwyd.com.