Rita, Sue & Bob Too!
‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too!’ best known as the classic 1987 cult film, is reviving its stage production for a new 2025 tour.
Set within working-class Yorkshire, the play delves into the life of twenty-seven-year-old Bob, whose marriage to Michelle is struggling. Bob finds an alternative way to reinvigorate his sex life, beginning a questionable affair with both Rita and Sue, two school-aged girls who babysit for the unhappy couple.
Originally written by Andrea Dunbar in 1981, the play is very much of its time, as noted prior to the opening scene. Intercom announcement warns of the explicit nature and language used throughout as well as noting the outdated concepts and opinions included, justifying the use as remaining true to the original script.
A small on stage cast of six members enhances the intimacy of the show. Each actor achieves the ideal portrayal of their character and the chemistry (or lack of in the case of the unhappy relationships) reflects the basis of the show. Jenna Sian O’Hara and Kay Nicholson, as Sue and Rita respectively, both portray the contrasting innocent and testing nature of teens. Jake Quickenden balances this with his effortless charm, yet also builds dislike within scenes with Jessica Ellis (Michelle). The comedic interactions of Siobhan Phillips and Warren Donnelly as Mum and Dad provide a light hearted relief to the challenging topics of unemployment, alcoholism and domestic abuse.
Many themes are addressed; seduction, domestic violence, alcoholism. Given a light-hearted depiction through comedy and clever, subtle phrasing, the importance of these themes today, make the play seem oversimplistic. However, when considering the era and original setting, the comedy is well executed. The occasional innuendo was missed or poorly received, due to technical microphone glitches.
Under the direction of Chantelle Joseph, the cast maintain excellent characters despite the comedy and audience interaction. Their innuendos and careful staging are further supported by the use of music which reflects the themes of love, betrayal and comedy. Choices of music including 80s hits from Rod Stewart, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Black Lace, form musical interludes throughout the show, each strategically used to cohesively link scenes, whilst adding to the comedy and innuendos of the show. Although potentially used to distract from the lengthy scene changes, these musical transitions transport audiences to the 80s era.
The ending summarises the fate of each character, but fails to fully explore a satisfying conclusion, with viewers questioning if this is the end. A comedic musical encore, however, provides a fitting end to the entire performance.
The intimate nature of the play suited the smaller venue and audience, allowing audience members to experience Bob’s secret affair up close and personal. Although not reflective of current social and political climates, ‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too!’ clearly demonstrates a tale true to its time, leaving little to the imagination.
This show was reviewed on the 6th February 2025 at St Helens Theatre Royal where it runs until the 9th February 2025. Tickets can be purchased here: show - St Helens Theatre Royal
For full tour dates near you, check your local listings.
Review written by Gabrielle and Rachael Groves
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: David Munn Photography
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.