As we sit in our seats for Castle Hill Players‘ latest production The Graduate, we are greeted with familiar songs of the 60s as a video compilation, by Paul Sztelma, displays memorable scenes from events in United States of this time. The play, adapted by Terry Johnson, is based on the novel by Charles Webb and the motion picture screenplay by Calder Willingham & Buck Henry. As murmurings amongst the audience indicate, many have memories of the original film, quite infamous in its time.
21-year-old Benjamin Braddick is just home and supposedly celebrating his graduation with his parents and friends at a party at his home. Mitch Doran plays Benjamin portraying a great mix of innocence, uncertainty and rebellion as he starts to navigate his own way in life. Enter Mrs Robinson, played by Margareta Moir, who steals the show as the sophisticated, drunken, alluring and irresistible older woman. Benjamin is overwhelmed and falls under her spell, that is, until he meets her daughter Elaine, played with delightful enthusiasm and optimism for life by Brooke Sailsbury, who is a college student dutifully following the plans of her parents – including a serious relationship with another boy.
Benjamin’s affair seems to be going along well till Mrs Robinson discovers he is planning on dating her daughter and from then on complications abound. His parents, played by Brendon Stone & Emma Rose are horrified when they find out about the affair and Mr Robinson, played by Ben Freeman, is likewise blindsided about his wife.
Throw in a seedy motel, a college room, a session with a psychiatrist, a wedding complete with priest and there is a great concoction for a bitingly funny show. Who could resist laughing at the line “There is a great future in plastics”. Rounding out the talented cast, adding depth and interest, are Liam Stritt playing a hotel clerk, barman and priest and Danielle Cutler in the roles of stripper, hotel receptionist and psychiatrist.
Directed by Stephen Snars this is a smart, fast-moving comedy much enjoyed by the audience on opening night. The versatile set, also designed by Stephen Snars, lends itself well to the episodic style of shortish scenes. Sound design by Bernard Teuben places us firmly in the early 60s and conjures up for many memories of the fashions & social expectations of that time. A good time was had by all!
THE GRADUATE is playing at the Pavilion Theatre, Doran Drive, Castle Hill until 18 April 2026.
Production photography by Chris Lundie
