the royal shakespeare company commisioned the play "educating rita". in 1980, it premiered at the warehouse, london. in august 1980 it transferred to the west end piccadilly theatre, london. it starred julie walters and mark kingston. the play ran to "at least" june 1982. the play has been translated and produced in almost every part the globe. it has received awards.in 1986, the play returned to the liverpool everyman.