EDUCATING RITA, which sold out during its run at the Everyman Studio Theatre before Christmas is being performed at the Kings Theatre in Gloucester this week ending on Saturday, January 24 with a special benefit night for the Hollie Gazzard Trust, which was set up following the death of Hollie while at work at Fringe Benefits & La Bella Beauty Salon, Gloucester.

Hollie’s passion was hairdressing and her family wanted to give others the opportunity that Hollie was fortunate to have and fulfil a career in hairdressing.

Directed by Paul Milton, Educating Rita tells the story of hairdresser Rita (played by Dani Carbery) who feels that life has passed her by. She wants an education. But does Open University lecturer Frank (Mark Carey) have anything to teach her? Educating Rita is a hilarious, and often moving, story of a woman’s determination to change her life.

Paul Milton, Everyman’s creative director, said: “We are keen to spread our wings and take more projects out of Cheltenham giving more people an opportunity to enjoy quality productions. We felt the theme of the play would lend itself perfectly for a benefit show in aid of the Hollie Gazzard Trust and we hope it is well supported.”

Nick Gazzard, chairman of the Trust, said: “We are delighted the play is Educating Rita. It shows the drive and ambition of a hairdresser to better herself and change her life. Hollie had the same drive and ambition and that is why the play is so fitting as a tribute to Hollie.”

Evenings 7.30pm and Saturday matinee 2pm – holliegazzard.org