A NEW take on a classic 1980s story is heading for a North Wales theatre.

Stephen Tompkinson is to star in a brand new stage production of Willy Russell’s great British comedy Educating Rita, which will soon be visiting Mold's Theatr Clwyd.

It stars Stephen Tompkinson (Drop The Dead Donkey, DCI Banks, Wild At Heart, Ballykissangel, Brassed Off) as Frank, and introduces Jessica Johnson as Rita.

This hilarious and heart-warming comedy is directed by Max Roberts (Cooking With Elvis, The Pitman Painters).

Educating Rita tells the story of married hairdresser Rita who enrolls on an Open University course to expand her horizons.

Here, she encounters 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.

Educating Rita 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.

Educating Rita can be seen in Theatr Anthony Hopkins at Theatr Clwyd from Monday, May 20 until Saturday, June 1.

Tickets, priced from £16, are available from the Theatr Clwyd box office on 01352 701521 or at www.theatrclwyd.com