The Graduate

Firstly I must congratulate the technical team for that very excellent box set of venetian blinds, designed to be practical on a small stage but also imaginative and innovative for movement of furniture (fabulous co-ordination of the duo in black with their choreographed changes), and creation of the right atmosphere in a minimalist way to leave space for action. Also good lighting design to create the moods, the slats of venetians definitely useful and practical. And the sound good with clever use of news flashes in 1963 plus the music clips (all listed in programme) to continue the period feel and mood.

Like most of the audience (I suspect), I had only seen the film, and a long time ago, so it was interesting to see the play live on stage, and what a strong play and script for the director Anthony Maley to bring to life in his first directorial role. He assembled a very strong cast ideal for the different roles and certainly the intensity of the script/action made it very demanding for the actors in a disciplined team effort and good pace production which also brought out the humour to lessen the tension

As the young man, Benjamin, in the centre of the storm, Dave Martin was perfect in age and looks, not so far from being a student himself he could empathise with the emotions and uncertainties of life post-college, try the differing options offered, cope with family expectations, and respond to the reactions to his choices. What a lot he had to learn and only off-stage for moments to retrieve another shirt, congratulations. His characterisation worked well in the inter-relationships with other members of the cast as the play unfolded.

Naïve and vulnerable, influenced very much by parents and not certain of her mind, Daisy Norwood as Elaine certainly looked right in age and style and almost awkwardness, and how well she responded to the attentions of the love story, the resentment of the college intrusion, the knowledge of her mother with her lover, good vibes for the two students.

The ‘older woman’, glamorous Mrs Robinson was strong and sympathetically played by Carol Story as she seduced Benjamin (looked good in the sexy undies) and demanded his time and attention and just could not let go, and then the resentment towards the affair with her daughter. Ian Ding as family friend with encouragement, then betrayal from his wife, and protection for daughter in a confrontational situation, this Mr Robinson had some really good mood changes to develop throughout the evening.

As parents, the Braddocks played with love and attention and wanting the best for son, whether as fussing mother or ambitious father, both showing pride, anger, or despair in the situations as they evolved, good characterisations from Teresa Sharp and Colin Davies.

And to complete the cast, multi-tasking Paul Norwood in his various also-ran cameos, and, never to be ignored as always stylish, Bryony Ding as stripper/desk clerk.

A gripping play demanding attention throughout and no disappointments in standard.

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