Liverpool was also a place in which artists were many. They were able to express themselves greatly and the arts thrived. Willy Russell is an example of this and through his writing, I personally believe he shows his own views. This is a humorous play of which explores the many comments about choice, relationships, class and education. This though is undeniable of Willy Russell’s intention of the play not being over-analytical.
The play is set within a room within a large Victorian style university throughout the play. Although many characters are mentioned there are only two characters on stage, Frank a middle-aged university lecturer and Rita a ‘down to earth’, 28 year-old hairdresser. The two characters contrast each other in class, education and morals, for example Rita’s family expect her to have a child as she is married although Frank who is in his fifties, has a failed marriage and no children. Rita has joined the Open University to gain an education in literature though has to break away from her old life due to restrictions enforced by being working class, her family and community. Although we are prompted to think about social issues the contrast between Frank and Rita brings more humour to the play.
We are introduced to the scale of humour in the play at the very beginning as in the opening scene of Act1 Scene 1, we are introduced to Frank repeating the word ’Dickens’ whilst looking along a bookshelf and so the audience thinks that he is looking for a book by the famous author Charles Dickens, although he then changes his mind and starts saying the word ‘Eliot’ therefore the audience believes he is looking for another book by the author T S Eliot and then from behind a book he pulls out a bottle of whiskey! This visual humour is created as it is an unexpected view of a university lecturer who is supposed to be an icon and someone to follow for the students but instead he is an alcoholic and drinks instead of doing his job. This makes also a social comment as it shows that a person’s role model is not particularly the best at being that and that people higher than the working class (middle class) are not a very good example for those working class to respect and admire. Another example of visual humour is when Rita is first introduced to the play.
“(The door swings open revealing Rita), I’m comin’ in aren’t I? It’s that stupid bleedin handle on the door. You wana get it fixed.” (Act 1 Scene 1)
This is humorous as this is a very unexpected way that the audience expects the character to be introduced on stage and the way she doesn’t even say ‘Hello’ to Frank as she enters the room. Also she breaks the stereotypical view of a university student with her colloquial accent;
“I’m comin’ in aren’t I?” (Act1 Scene 1)
And her brusqueness
“That’s a nice picture isn’t it?, it’s very erotic… just look at those tits.”(Act 1 Scene1)
Her honesty and ‘down to earth’ attitude also generates humour as the audience would have been amazed that one of the main protagonists, who is also a woman and a 28 year-old university student, would use this form of terminology towards someone she has never met before as some may consider this as ill mannered and improper behaviour .Though for Rita this is normal, ‘everyday’ behaviour and therefore she thinks of no consequences. Some might interpret it as a feeling of intimidation by Frank and that she may feel uncomfortable and so uses this form of behaviour as a type of barrier. This of which also symbolises the difference between Frank and Rita and how they are separated by a symbolic barrier of class and education. Another example of Frank and Rita being separated by a barrier is when Rita is unable to open the door to enter the room to meet Frank but is determined and try’s and try’s then she finally gets through. This is what also happened in the play therefore dramatic irony is used here.
Through reading this play you can imagine just what the characters would be dressed like on stage. I expect Rita to be wearing a short PVC mini-skirt with a brightly coloured top, heeled shoes and permed hair as it is set in the 1980’s as this is the fashion of this time.
