UK Theatre Network

The Graduate

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

I must, shamefully, confess that, up until last night, I had never ever seen the movie or a stage production of The Graduate. Although it has often been hailed by critics as iconic, I had always imagined it to be a sort of ‘period piece’ that might be lost on the audiences of today. How wrong I was!

Tabs productions have brought to The Customs House a production that is as relevant today as it has ever been. The story of the sexual awakening of 21 year old Benjamin Braddock (Grant Orviss) at the hands of the older, and lascivious Mrs Robinson (Karen Henson) is brilliantly brought to the stage in an adaptation by Terry Johnson.

The Graduate is one of those skilfully scripted plays that leads the audience to believe that nothing much is happening – then, suddenly, everything seems to be happening at once.

Much of the drama of the play is derived from the repercussions of Ben’s affair with Judith Robinson, a friend of his parents, and the implications that it has upon both families. The two lead actors both deliver performances that are convincing and compelling, and it is futile to try to resist being totally absorbed by the consequences of their lustful, but ill-fated affair.

Grant Orviss splendidly portrays the naivety and gaucheness of Ben, whilst Karen Henson proves more than a match for more high-profile predecessors, including Linda Gray of Dallas and Hollywood actress Kathleen Turner.

There are also some strong supporting performances from John Hester, Susan Earnshaw, Michael Sherwin, Sarah Wynne Kordas and Mark Huckett.

Adrian Lloyd-James’ direction is slick yet subtle, perfectly balancing the comedy and the drama in equal measure. The simple and highly effective black and white set, designed by Sarah Wynne Kordas, is transformed, with military precision, by members of the company into various locations to suit each scene.

Add a musical score by Simon and Garfunkel and The Graduate passes with first-class honours.

Steve Burbridge.

WARNING: This production contains full nudity.

Tour Dates

Tue 27 - Thu 29 January   The Customs House, South Shields

Fri 31 - Sat 31 January    The Theatre Royal, Winchester

Wed 4 - Sat 7 February    The Theatre Royal Nottingham