Amateur actors bring The Graduate back to life (From Daily Echo)

Actress recreates famous sexy scene in amateur production of The Graduate at The Nuffield, Southampton

12:50pm Tuesday 24th January 2012 in News By Sally Churchward, Senior Feature Writer

IT’S one of cinema’s sexiest moments.

Sixties audiences were thrilled when Anne Bancroft flirts with Dustin Hoffman to tempt him into an affair across the generations.

And tonight temperatures will be rising again at The Nuffield in Southampton when actress Sarah-Jane Wareham strips off in an amateur version of The Graduate.

In what is thought to be a first for the Hampshire am-dram scene, Sarah-Jane will appear in a “state of undress” as Mrs Robinson, a part played professionally on stage by beauties such as Kathleen Turner, Jerry Hall, Kelly McGillis and Amanda Donohoe.

She is starring in the infamous role in the classic story of young Benjamin Braddock’s affair with an older woman.

“It’s the moment when Mrs Robinson, who is one of Benjamin’s parents’ friends, lets him know that she’s sexually available if he wants to have an affair,” says Sarah-Jane of the scene in which she will disrobe.

“The moment is only about 20 seconds but provides a catalyst to the rest of the play.”

Sarah-Jane knew she would have to strip off for the role when she auditioned for the part with amateur theatre group The Maskers Theatre Company.

Although she had pre-show nerves she didn’t have any specific concerns about getting undressed in front of the audience.

The classic film caused a stir when it hit the screen in 1967.

Hoffman plays Benjamin, a recent graduate who is seduced by an older woman before falling in love with her daughter.

It made its way to the stage in 2000. Before the London run at the Gielgud Theatre, ticket sales went through the roof when it was announced that Hollywood star Kathleen Turner would be appearing nude on stage.

Tickets are selling fast for the Maskers Theatre Company version at The Nuffield and Sarah-Jane says that it is well worth it.

“It’s a great show,” said the 43-year-old, who works in communications. “The play is funnier than the film.”

She added that her friends and family would see the play and knew what to expect from it.

“There’s a shock element to the scene,” she said, “but you don’t want the audience to feel uncomfortable.”