The Graduate

Terry Johnson’s over long, on-the-nose, shallow and shrill adaptation of ‘The Graduate’ was a curious affair. Despite clever lighting effects, the use of live music and innovative staging, the play failed to take wing. The performances were solid enough, the odd wobble in the American accents notwithstanding. Tegen Hitchens as Elaine Robinson acquitted herself particularly well. Much of the humour failed to ignite, though – and the story’s sexiness was neutered by the incongruous presence of underwear in a crucial bed scene. The decision for the cast (in character) to engage with the audience before the show, and during the interval, didn’t really pay off. Your reviewer (a frustrated actor) willingly went along with the conceit. My +1 was, however, was not amused. (Runs until 1st June.)

The Clarendon Centre, 29 May 2013

Rating: