The Graduate: New Victoria Theatre: Newcastle-under-Lyme: till 18th June
Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Graduate: adapted by Terry Johnson
Based on the novel by Charles Webb and the motion picture screenplay by Calder Willingham.
The New Victoria Playhouse: Tcks: 01782 717962
www.newvictheatre.org.uk
Runs: 2h 20m: one interval: till 18th June
Performance Time: 7.30 till 9.50 pm
Review: Jan Pick
Thursday June 9th 2005
Here's to you, Mrs Robinson!
A lovely production of Terry Johnson's adaptation of The Graduate' at the New Vic theatre, more than made up for the three hours crawl from Birmingham to Newcastle-under-Lyme on a busy Thursday night. The simple and easily adaptable set and effective use of lighting made the necessary scene changes fast and fluid and the cast rose to the challenge of making us forget former famous faces from the film and totally believe in them as those well known characters.
David Newman's Benjamin, and Diana Marchment's Mrs Robinson gave beautifully judged performances, the sexuality of the inexperienced Ben and his induction into the niceties of seducing the older woman dealt with sensitively, and with wry humour. Ray Lonnen was the father, desperately trying to understand his suddenly disaffected and rebellious son, ably supported by Daryl Webster who managed to infuse a personality into his typically conventional wife. Robert Whelan handled Mr Robinson's change from bonhomie through hurt dignity to baffled rage with skill, and Charity Wakefield's Elaine was endearing without being too syrupy. The angst and uncertainties of youth were explored with sympathy, but Chris Garner's cast also showed us the angst and uncertainties of an older generation whose world was radically changing and their struggle to come to terms with it.
The final scene came as something of a surprise to anyone who only knows the story from the film, but was the perfect finishing touch to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Well worth the long drive, and odd, but somehow fitting, to see this production in the week that Ann Bancroft, the original Mrs Robinson, died.
Cast:
Mr Braddock: Ray Lonnen
Mrs Robinson: Diana Marchment
Benjamin: David Newman
Desk Clerk/Drunken Man/Vicar: Andrew Pollard
Elaine: Charity Wakefield
Mrs Braddock: Daryl Webster
Mr Robinson: Robert Whelan
Psychiatrist/Stripper/Wedding Guest: Lana Young
Director: Chris Garner
Designer: Lis Evans
Lighting Designer: Daniella Beattie
Sound Designer: James Earls-Davis
Voice Coach: Mark Langley
Choreographer: Beverley Edmunds
Company Stage Manager: Andy Billington
DSM: Struan Sewell
ASM: Imogen Ensoll
2005-06-13 14:48:42