ESK Valley Theatre's summer show in Glaisdale, on the North York Moors, will be Willy Russell's 1980 comedy Educating Rita, in an updated version premiered by Russell at the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre last year.

Under artistic director Mark Stratton's direction, Ian Crowe plays Frank, a whisky-loving, middle-aged Open University English tutor, who seems to be drinking himself towards oblivion, when his world is rocked by the arrival of Rita (Liverpool actress Amy Spencer), a Liverpudlian working-class girl.

She bursts into Frank’s world with a raw energy and a hunger to be educated that takes Frank by surprise. He starts to teach her but is soon questioning the value of his efforts, as the audience wonders who is receiving the greater lesson, the pupil or the teacher?

Here, Charles Hutchinson sets the questions for Mark's answers.

What attracted you to presenting Educating Rita this summer, Mark?

"We're always looking for good writing that's entertaining and has something to say, so when we found out that Willy Russell had updated Educating Rita and the professional rights were available, it seemed a no brainer. A timeless story where a working-class girl overcomes adversity to break free from her background and fight for an education. Rita is an inspirational character and we all need to be inspired."

York Press:

Ian Crowe, as English tutor Frank, rehearsing Educating Rita. Picture: Tony Bartholomew 

What are the qualities and values of Willy Russell’s play that stand up best in 2016?

"When you read the play, you realise how little has changed over the past 40 years, and it's still as relevant in 2016 as the day it was first performed. There are still people who find themselves trapped at the bottom of the social and economic heap and for them it can be a real struggle to break free and achieve their full potential.

"The play is beautifully observed and has a universal appeal. Who can't fail to be moved by the story of Rita as she embarks on her search for education and the freedom to choose?"

The empowering possibilities that education can bring are as vital to adult life as to a child’s development. Discuss…

"When we have had a good education and good life opportunities, it's easy to take it for granted, but if for whatever reasons life isn't so kind, then the joy of learning may never develop and can have a disastrous impact on life chances. The play celebrates the empowerment of education and shows how education can feed the human soul, no matter what our age."

Have you seen past productions of Educating Rita. If so, who was in them?

"I've have seen the film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters, but I'm trying not to think of that. I want our own interpretation to shine through!"

What are you looking for when casting a two-hander and have you worked previously with either cast member, Ian Crowe or Amy Spencer?

"I always look for actors who I think will be good team members and can best serve the writing. I've never worked with Ian or Amy, and they've never worked with each other, so there are a lot of unknown factors. It's quite exciting."

What are the chief theatrical attributes of a two-hander?

York Press:

Amy Spencer's Rita and Ian Crowe's Frank in a scene from Educating Rita. Picture: Tony Barthlomew

What are the chief theatrical attributes of a two-hander?

"There's nowhere to hide when an actor is in a two-hander, but I think it can be very satisfying for both performers and audiences. An audience can get to know the characters more intimately because the two actors are the sole focus of attention. It sometimes feels that there's a more direct connection with the heart of the play when you watch a two-hander; there are fewer distractions."

Was it important to cast a Liverpool actress as Rita as there’s such a Liverpool rhythm to the language?

"People may disagree, but I think it is important, unless you come across an exceptional talent that can truly capture the essence of being from Liverpool even though they're not.

"It's one thing to capture the accent, but the behaviour and demeanour of an individual is something that develops from environmental and social influences; in other words their background. This infuses a person's physicality and personality and comes from deep within them. It certainly has an effect on the tones and rhythms of their speech."

Educating Rita was very much a play of its times. How has Willy Russell updated his script?

"He has basically taken out all the references to when it was originally set, making it in some ways a timeless piece. I guess it's a bit like an episode of Doctor Who: it doesn't matter where you are in time and space, it's the human story that's important.

"The choice we've made is to give it a contemporary feel with costume, while having an abstract set which suggests the academic challenge that lies in front of Rita."

If you were to study a subject as a mature student, what would it be?

"Probably Biology or Environmental Studies; I've always been fascinated with wildlife and fish in particular!"

You will be spending the autumn in Northern Broadsides’ When We Are Married. Who will you play?

"That's right, I'm joining Northern Broadsides for their autumn tour, which is a co-production with York Theatre Royal. I'll be playing Joseph Helliwell, and he and his wife Maria are described as 'high-coloured, rather bouncing, rather pompous, very pleased with themselves', so therein lies the challenge."

What does it feel like being directed in rehearsals – by Barrie Rutter on this occasion and in the past too – as opposed to being in the director’s chair yourself?

"It can feel quite odd when you've just directed a show yourself and then you have to put your acting hat back on. Barrie and I have different approaches to directing, but I think he would agree that we're both passionate about the work and want to see actors reach their full potential.

"Actors should always turn up with an open mind and ready to work hard for the production and the director. After all, they've employed you and put their trust in you, and you should put your trust in them. I like being directed by Barrie, he's direct and knows what he wants."

Esk Valley Theatre presents Educating Rita at The Robinson Institute, Glaisdale, near Whitby, from August 11 to September 3, 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, plus 2.30pm, August 13, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 30 and September 1. Box Office: 01947 897587 or eskvalleytheatre.co.uk