My first introduction to The Graduate was, like so many others, through the movie written by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, staring the talented Dustin Hoffman, seductive Anne Bancroft and beautiful Katharine Ross, all of whom received Oscar nominations. As a young man I became captivated by the haunting Simon & Garfunkel sound track and the story of Benjamin Braddock whose college education provided no answers; only furthered his frustrations and angst with the world. I have always viewed The Graduate as an iconic coming of age piece which even today in our 'modern' society mirrors the struggles that still ensue between young people and their parents (believe me I've been there!).
The adaptation by Te rry Johnson that you'll see tonight is the culmination of months of hard work by a talented crew and a group of actors who have taken my ideas, their own and a marvellous script; turning it into something I'm extremely proud of. Of course there are elements from the original film and book that we cannot reproduce such as the famous car journey that Ben undertakes (sorry no Hollywood budget ... this time!). My enduring memories of this process are the tireless backstage preparations and the subsequent rehearsals. This production has been a real team effort and I am grateful for everyone's help.
The final thank you goes to my darling wife Sandra who has supported me throughout this production and has tolerated my "prime donne" ways at home X.
Steve Cosier
Cast | |
Benjamin Braddock | Matt Bulmer |
Mrs Robinson | Sarah-Jayne Wareham |
Elaine Robinson | Miriam Roe |
Mr Braddock | Neil Gwynne |
Mrs Braddock | Sarah Russell |
Mr Robinson | Marcus Kinsella |
Desk Clerk | Bruce Atkinson |
Psychiatrist/Barman | Ian Wilson |
Priest | Richard Martin |
Stripper | Anne Waggott |
Belligerent Man | Carl Browning |
Wedding Guests | Laura Nucinkis, Hannah Cutting, Avril Woodward, Andy Burrows |
Strip Joint Customers | Andy Burrows, Richard Martin, John Burrows |
For the Maskers: | |
The Director | Steve Cosier |
Assistant to Director & Stage Manager and Prompt | Sandra Cosier |
Production Manager | Harry Tuffill |
Stage Manager | Kathryn Salmon |
Set Design | Peter Liddiard |
Set Build & Painting | Graham Buchanan, Geoff Cook, Pete Hill, Peter Liddiard, Ken Hann, Roger Lockett, Ken Spencer, Bryan Langford, Alan Watson, Brian Stansbridge, Steve Russell |
Stage Crew | Geoff & Pam Cook, Andy Burrows, Ian Wilson, Richard Martin, Carl Browning, John Burrows |
Lighting Design | Clive Weeks |
Lighting Operator | Gail Blues |
Sound Design | Jamie McCarthy |
Sound Operator | Jamie McCarthy, Martyn Welch |
Costumes | Serena Brown |
Costume Assistants | Susan Wilson, Alison Kirby |
Properties | Adam Taussik, Alison Tebbutt |
Marketing & Publicity | Angela Stansbridge & tea |
Poster/Flyer Design | John Hamon, Clive Weeks |
Programme Content & Production | Harry Tuffill & Sarah Russell |
Photography | Clive Weeks |
Front of House | Chris Baker & team |
Front of House Display | Zannah Lawther |
The music used during this production is from the original movie soundtrack:
Songs by Paul Simon, performed by Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel
Additional music by David Grusin
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