Charles Webb’s novel “The Graduate” was presented to the world in cinematic format in 1967 with Dustin Hoffman in the title role. Controversial in its time for showing the young innocent graduate being seduced by older family friend Mrs Robinson. When developed into a play in 2000 the controversy continues this time centering round the nudity portrayed by several extremely famous mature actresses on Broadway and in London’s West End.

Dunfermline Dramatic Society’s production of “The Graduate” relies solely on the quality of the original script, the professionalism of the actors and Paul Campbell’s direction to produce an enjoyable evenings entertainment.

It is in the capable hands of Jason Roseweir that the Hoffman character of Benjamin Braddock comes alive. Totally disillusioned with life Benjamin is unsure where he is going despite advice from his parents played by Tomm Campbell and Leonie Bisset. Celebrating their sons graduation Mr and Mrs Braddock invite their oldest and closest friends to a family party. It is at this party Mrs Robinson (Pamela Stirling) drunkenly attempts to lie down on Benjamin's bed, seeing his reaction she takes great delight in announcing her alcoholism and seeing his innocent shock sets about seducing him. After running away Benjamin returns home after less than two weeks in the wide world, possibly drawn by his curiosity and partly Mrs Robinson's advances.

His father and Mr Robinson (Bruce Adam) discuss the possibility of Benjamin and his daughter Elaine Robinson (Toni Roseweir) going out together. Despite opposition from his lover the two kids meet and have a very strange date. To destroy any chance of a relationship between them Mrs Robinson ensures her daughter Elaine discovers about the affair and the situation spirals out of control.

The seduction scene was particularly well done but for me the drunken discussion between Elaine and her mother was probably the most memorable. Congratulations to everyone involved for a most enjoyable evening, concentrating on the basis of the storyline with little titillation and no sensationalism we were presented with a well produced and acted show.

The only thing left to say is surely “Here's to you Mrs Robinson”.

Dunfermline Dramatic Society presents The Graduate. The Annexe, Carnegie Hall on November 22nd & 23rd.