THE Tavonians have been busy this year — their fourth production has just taken place at the Wharf.

Willy Russell's Educating Rita was confidently directed by Rose-Marie Bonnevier.

It stars just two characters, both of whom were superbly cast and brilliantly played. Stuart Waterworth's portrayal of Frank, the middle-aged, increasingly whisky-sodden lecturer, had verve and great style. Frank is disillusioned with life, yet the determination of Rita, played with great assurance by Michele Pike, wears him down and he agrees to be her tutor.

For more than two hours the two of them wove a web of sheer magic in the Wharf: though nobody else appears on stage, they deftly introduced the audience to a whole range of other characters.

During the evening two very well-rounded characters were shown, with the two actors reacting excellently to each other. Stuart Waterworth's portrayal of a man whose life is disintegrating was masterly: the scene where, completely drunk, he collapses, was both hugely funny and very effective.

And Michele Pike's transformation from a brassy young woman to an assured human being was a sheer delight to watch.

This was an evening of fine theatre that was entertaining and thought-provoking.

FELICITY BARNABY