A CORONATION Street star is to take on the role that made Julie Walters a household name with three performances at Mowlem Theatre.

Kimberley Hart Simpson is stepping into the titular role of Educating Rita, alongside Keith Hill, at the Swanage theatre this month.

The play follows Rita, a 26 year old Liverpudlian hairdresser who is on a quest to better herself.

Pursuing her passion for English literature, she enrols in an Open University course and meets Frank, a middle aged university lecturer who is bitter and cynical.

Willy Russell’s comedy tells the story of two people from very different worlds who find an unlikely connection.

Director, Alice Bartlett said: "I’m so thrilled to be coming back to Swanage which holds many happy childhood memories for me.

"I am absolutely delighted to be returning with a production of Willy Russell’s wonderful comedy, Educating Rita. Rita is such an inspiring and magnificent character with the potential to educate us all.

"It’s a play about self-empowerment, aspiration and authenticity. It reminds us that learning is for life, not just for exams. And, perhaps the best tonic of all, it makes us laugh, a lot.

"Do come and see us at the Mowlem Theatre, where I hope Rita will charm, delight, entertain, and perhaps also educate you. She’s certainly educating me at the moment."

Educating Rita will be performed at Mowlem Theatre from September 7 to 11 at 7.30pm.

There will also be a matinee performance at September 11 at 2.30pm.

Individual tickets are available priced from £12 to £18 and can be bought from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-mowlem-theatre/.