Susan White, a married twenty-something hairdresser, is tired of her mundane working-class life with her tedious job and entirely unambitious husband. To try and escape her boredom, and better herself, she signs up to do a literature course at the Open University.

Her tutor turns out to be Dr. Frank Bryant. Frank, having failed to become a renowned writer, is also unsatisfied with his life. He feels forced to endure the intellectual ennui of teaching Open University courses in order to make enough money to survive and fund his alcohol habit.

Susan, who renamed herself Rita after her favourite author (Rita Mae Brown), is far from the typical student that Frank has had to teach. Having barely had a formal education before, she comes largely ignorant of anything that academia requires. Frank sees this as a breath of fresh air, and her charm thoroughly invigorates him. Rita, too, is transfixed by this new world of fine literature and educated people. Whilst spending time together, we see their relationship blossom beyond that of just pupil and teacher.

Frank reluctantly trains Rita to temper her enthusiasm to a more analytical approach to literature. He is concerned that he will suppress her unique charm, but she hopes a formal education will liberate her from her working class roots. Will the Open University course satisfy Rita's desire to know "everything" or will she learn to see the value in what she already has?

About Willy Russell, the author

Keep up to date with progress by reading the director's diary