A young producer reads a slim novel and cannot put it down.
He options it with his own money.
He hires a theatre director who has never made a film.
They cast an unknown actor everyone agrees is wrong for the part —
too short, too dark, too quiet.
Nobody in Hollywood thinks it will work.
What they make is The Graduate.
Live Reading · Full Cast · One Night OnlyTracy-Ann Oberman's drama brings the room to life — Mike Nichols on his first film, Anne Bancroft becoming Mrs Robinson, Dustin Hoffman auditioning for a role written for someone else, and Ava Gardner circling the project in a way only Ava Gardner could.
This is the story behind the film — the arguments, the instinct, the nerve, and the quiet moments that nearly stopped it happening at all.
Gene Hackman nearly took the part that might have changed everything. Mel Brooks watched his wife seduce a younger man on screen. The people who said no. The people who said yes. The one decision that changed what cinema could be.
Performed live on the Circle & Star stage by a cast assembled for this one night only, led by Tracy-Ann Oberman.
Special guest players to be announced.
Approx. 75 minutes · No interval · 55 seats
| Mrs Robinson — Author & Performer | Tracy-Ann Oberman |
| Mike Nichols | ??? |
| Anne Bancroft | ??? |
| Dustin Hoffman | ??? |
| Buck Henry | ??? |
| Ava Gardner | ??? |
| Gene Hackman | ??? |
One room. One night. The story Hollywood never told you.
Step in. Come up. Be part of the story.
Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead
28 Heath Street, London NW3 6TE
Hampstead Station · Northern Line