The first night of 'Educating Rita', directed by Peter Doran, at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, was a rivetting and sincerely funny performance of Willy Russell's modern classic.

Keith Woodason played Frank, the disillusioned poet and university tutor, to perfection, from his dishevelled attire to his unfilled persona and self-mocking voice.

In stark contrast was the larger than life Liverpudlian Rita, comically played by Sarah Withe, who brought colour, energy and a fresh innocence into the rather staid office of Frank.

Firmly underpinning this superb and hilarious two-hander is the infamous British class system and the ability to transcend one's boundaries through education, but crucially, which is at the core of Russell's writings, the underlying need to retain the delight in existence. It is Rita's synthesis of learning and her instinct for living that is the triumphant message of 'Educating Rita'.

The incarnation of the educated Rita is strongly depicted through Peter Doran's direction. It is working class Rita's untainted passion and 'realness' that Frank is lacking and falls in love with.It is middle class Frank's knowledge and confidence that Rita is desperate for.

Rita's desperate thirst for knowledge leads her to cast off her roots and Frank's reference to Frankenstein speaks with a humorous resonance. The resolution of the play finds an equilibrium and a triumph for both characters in a touching end scene, brilliantly played by both Woodason and Withe.

With totally engaging rapport between the two actors and full of hilarious dialogue, particularly with superb one liners from Rita, 'Educating Rita' at the Torch Theatre is nothing less than a great night out. Go see!

It runs until Saturday, February 14. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office on 01646 695267.

Siobhan McGovern