The 50th anniversary of Rita's first professional appearance in showbiz
occurs on 23 Dec 2008.

On 23 Dec 1958, Rita appeared on stage at the Liverpool Playhouse in a
production of TOAD OF TOAD HALL. She was 16 years old at the time. Rita
played the roles of "Harold Rabbit" and "Alfred Horse (back legs)".

Toad Of Toad Hall (first performance 23 Dec 1958), at Liverpool
Playhouse (Williamson Square, Liverpool) by players of the Liverpool
Repertory Company: Delia Corrie, Brenda Kaye, George Pensotti, Trevor
Baxter, Michael Malnick, Frederick Farley, Rita Tushingham, Hilary
Crane, Trevor Danby, Caroline Blakiston, Elizabeth White, Merlith Sim,
David Harris, Michael Sheppard, Harvey Ashby, Wendy Rogerson, Ann
Curthoys, Petra Siniavski, Daphne Graham, Diana Waring, Linda North,
written by A.A. Milne, Kenneth Grahame, directed by Willard Stoker.