The Graduate
Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years achieving a brilliant scholastic record, upon graduation he finds himself adrift, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love -- with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of The Graduate, based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the shiny backdrop of affluent Southern California in the 1960s.
Everything about The Graduate was detailed to the nth degree and it was a joy to
be in the audience. At times, it was like watching a movie. I think Paper Lantern
may have just invented a new art form 'Filmic Theatre' - from sweeping
compressed timelines and nuanced close-ups, to self-parodying montages and intimate
vignettes. It was perfect. The stylised movement and the off-scene acting was first
rate. The conceit of telegraphing moments works a charm. The music is oozing
style and subtext, effortlessly weaving its web and elevating the whole experience to a
Milos Forman / Thelma Schoonmaker-esque soundscape.
Not to mention the obvious plaudits for the focus, dedication and investment of the
primary cast members. I don't believe I've seen anyone be better in anything
they've done. Ever. They were a revelation.
I think theatre very rarely achieves the aim of a narrative unravelling in front of
your eyes for the very first time. There's usually something that draws you back to
the present, or jolts you out of the moment and makes you aware of your
surroundings. Not last night. You've taken a classic, iconic story and managed to tell
it as if we've never heard it. You've augmented the already achingly cool. You
have brought words on a page so vividly and colourfully to life and we are now
different - enriched by these moments.
Last night was amazing!
Richard Healey - MD.
Paper Lantern normally perform each production at two venues. Sometimes the cast may change in certain roles.
Director Assistant Director Set Design / Painting Set Construction Music / Sound Design Lighting Design Lighting Operation Sound Operation Choreography Costumes Props Photography Graphic Design, Programme & Publicity Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
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Sally Scurrell Rosie Beattie Darren Beattie Duncan Broatch, Clive Webb Duncan Broatch Dan Scarlett Rachel Doy Duncan Broatch Sally Scurrell Sally Scurrell, Rosie Beattie and Cast Sally Scurrell, Sue Simmons, Gabby Bolderstone Duncan Broatch, Darren Beattie Darren Beattie Tom Hitchcock Gabby Bolderstone
Benjamin Braddock Mr Braddock Mrs Braddock Mr Robinson Mrs. Robinson Elaine Robinson Desk Clerk/priest/Ensemble Bell boy/Stripper/EnsembIe Waitress/Psychiatrist/Ensemble
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Tom Mayhew Colin Lee Bennett Issy Alway Darren Beattie Rosie Beattie Molly Scurrell Paul Mann Jak Martin Helen McCartney
Clive Webb, Rosie Webb, Gallery Players, The Orwell House hotel, Alan Ayres-Co Op Juniors, Jack Elden, Kate Eastall, Claire Hollocks, Helen Mann, Dick Bound, Helena Quarmby & Jon Taverner - Eastern Angles, Dave Borthwick, Mel Mayhew, Norman Rutterford, Mikaela Rackham, Lily Brazier, Steve & Linda Wooldridge, Parish Rooms - Great Blakenham, Claydon & Barham Scouts.
The Luka State - Tomorrow Never Knows Play Me The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows Play Me Joanie Sommers - Johnny get angry Play Me The Fratellis - Doginabag Play Me Smoove - I'm A Man Play Me Helmut Zacharias - Light My Fire Play Me Emilia Mitiku Zou Bisou Bisou Play Me Emma Bunton - Crickets Sing For Annamaria Play Me George Hamilton IV - Abilene Play Me Old 1963 Radio Recording Play Me The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations Play Me The Beatles - Love Me Do Play Me The Setting Son - In a certain way Play Me King Curtis - Melancholy Serenade Play Me Louis Prima - Night Train Play Me Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl Play Me Strawberry Alarm Clock - Incense and Peppermints Play Me Quilt - Young Gold Play Me Bangles - Get The Girl Play Me Snarky Puppy - Amour T'es Lá Play Me iMonster - Daydream In Blue Play Me Sandie Shaw - Coconut Grove Play Me Pleasant Valley Sunday (Monkees Cover) - Justin McGuinn Play Me Bride's Entrance Rondeau Mouret Play Me Emma Bunton - Maybe Play Me Foo Fighters - This Will Be Our Year [The Zombies Cover] Play Me Lemonheads - Mrs Robinson Play Me