Frank is an embittered English professor, who hides himself in his books and heavy drinking.

When Rita, a young, hairdresser with dreams and aspirations, decides to enrol on an Open University course to expand her horizons, she doesn't realise that she'll be dealing with the cantankerous Frank in their one-to-one lessons.

But despite their differences, it seems like each has a lot to teach the other...

Written by one of the UK's best-loved playwrights, Willy Russell and running almost continually since it's 1980 RSC-produced West End debut, this hilarious and heartwarming comedy is as relevant today as when it was penned over 40 years ago.

This is Schoolhouse's ninth production, and their second consecutive Willy Russell play, after their glowingly received Shirley Valentine which relaunched the Alma's post-lockdown season after their sell-out run in 2019.


Praise for Schoolhouse

ABIGAIL'S PARTY - 5*

"Anna Friend’s gloriously intimate and flawlessly cast production... is one of the finest renderings of the play I have ever seen." (Holly Georgeson - The Flaneur)

A DOLL'S HOUSE - 5*

"A powerful and thought- provoking piece of theatre which is bold, entertaining and thoroughly lives up to the high expectations I have of this young company" (Sarah-Jane Howard - 365 Bristol)

SHIRLEY VALENTINE - 4.5*
"Friend's performance exudes warmth and humour... A highly accomplished piece of theatre" (Confessions of a 5ft2 Actress)

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