It is accepted that in Willy Russell's Educating Rita the 26-year-old Liverpudlian hairdresser will not be the only one getting an education.
Her tutor, the crusty, somewhat defeated, alcoholic Frank would also have the blinds drawn from his eyes.
In this production, directed by Michael Buffong, the theme is taken further where, despite a fine performance by Lenny Henry as the careworn poet and professor, Frank is out smarted and at times out acted by the talents of Lashana Lynch in the title role.
Brash, bouncy, bawdy: Lynch's Rita bursts through Frank's study door and raises dust from his mountain of dog-eared books.
Lynch's performance is superb, her comic timing a delight and it is her strength of character that carries the work through its early stages where, at this week's opening night at least, Henry appeared a little unsure of Frank's place in the pecking order.
A faltering early start out of the way, however, and Henry settles into comfortable Frank, a jealous Frank, and a very good drunk and then angry Frank, as Rita finds she can stand on her own two feet while her tutor loses his all too often while seeking solace in the many bottles concealed around his bookcases.
Henry and Lynch are on stage for all of the production, a change of jacket or cardigan from Frank denoting the passage of time, while his pupil's dress and style alter to suit her growing confidence and abilities.
Although the plot is well known, Russell's lines still bring forth belly laughs aplenty.
Designer Ellen Cairns had created a marvellous set, littered with literary classics.
Educating Rita runs until July 25
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