The Graduate

A warm reception given on Guest night. The programme was of good quality, with interesting biogs of the cast but I think the font, in places, could have been a little larger. Always pleased to see NODA being given recognition.

Everyone probably remembers the 1967 film starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, which was based on the 1963 novel by Charles Webb. The play, adapted by Terry Johnson, had success on Broadway and in the West End. It is something of a farce but it was a pity that some of the brilliant lines were inaudible to us at the back of the theatre, especially when the actors were talking to each other.

Benjamin Braddock has just finished college and, back at his parents' house, he's trying to avoid the one question everyone keeps asking: What does he want to do with his life? An unexpected diversion crops up when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson, a bored housewife and friend of his parents. But what begins as a fun tryst turns complicated when Benjamin falls for the one woman Mrs. Robinson demanded he stay away from, her daughter, Elaine.

The minimal sets, the lighting and various accessories worked well, together with the iconic sound track of Simon and Garfunkel, all made for a cast with impeccable timing and ability. Ruth Makepeace as Mrs Robinson conquered beautifully the femme fatale seductress and the mother battling with alcohol. The requirements of nudity were tackled with true professionalism and I applaud Ruth for this.  Darren Coleman played Mr. Robinson who, I think, was complicit in his wife’s straying. Callum McFarland as Benjamin Braddock displayed the unsure sexually unaware young man with a comic presence of self-consciousness. If this was Callum’s first principal role then he had a baptism by fire with the role requiring full nudity (with a strategically placed drinks can, I hasten to add!) He has a great future ahead of him. Rachel Robinson, as the daughter Elaine Robinson, lived up to her innocent role. Her timing was superb, although not a stranger to the stage, this was her first play – more to follow I hope! Mr & Mrs Braddock, played by David Jones and Sheila Bramley, were a perfect foil for much of Benjamin’s turmoil, both were well performed.

All the other supporting roles were well handled. I must just make mention of Bruna Bonafé as the Stripper, she got quite a few cheers (from the men in the audience!) when she effortlessly twirled her nipple tassels - I wonder how much practice that took!

This could have been a difficult show for both cast and audience but Vivien Cleary’s direction made it a great success.

“And here’s to you Mrs. Robinson…”

…and indeed the entire cast and crew of this ambitious production.

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