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14th April 2011
DORCHESTER: Rehearsals underway for Hardy's playBy Anita Harries Rehearsals for the New Hardy Player’s latest offering, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, are well under way and already looking good. 2011 marks the 120th anniversary of the publication of this popular Thomas Hardy novel, and the professionalism we have now come to expect from this talented group of amateur thespians is bound to do it justice. Since their creation in 2005, the New Hardy Players have adapted and performed four of Thomas Hardy’s major novels, including their resounding success with The Mayor of Casterbridge, two of his short stories, and a play about his own life. Tess of the d’Urbervilles will be their seventh production and has been especially requested by Norrie Woodhall who herself performed in the 1924 production with the original Hardy Players. She played the part of Liza-Lu, sister to Tess, as well as understudying for her own sister Gertrude who took the starring role. Norrie knew personally, and was directed by, Thomas Hardy himself and was the instigator of the New Hardy Players back in 2004 when she asked for the group to be re-formed for her 100th birthday. She is their president and has taken more than a keen interest in their progress over the years. Indeed, she has actually taken part in two of their plays. Norrie is now 105 years old and is very much looking forward to the play. She is thrilled that all the money raised will go to local charities, including her chosen charity the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Previous productions have raised the amazing sum of £19,000 for the hospice, as well as a staggering £9,000 for other local charities. When Tess of the d’Urbervilles was first published it provoked more than a little outrage due to its content. Yet Hardy’s intention for the book was to show the purity of Tess. The New Hardy Player’s adaptation, brilliantly penned by Devina Symes, is true to the story and is both pure and poignant. Make sure you catch a performance this summer as they appear at various venues across Dorset. Tess of the d’Urbervilles can be seen at the following venues: • Friday, June 3rd, 7.30pm, at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester. Tickets are £12 to include light refreshments, and this event is to be held in conjunction with the Thomas Hardy Society as part of the Hardy Birthday weekend. Please call 01305 251501 for more details. • Friday, June 10th, 7pm, at Moignes Court, Owermoigne. Tickets are £7, available by calling 01305 853573. Entry from 6pm, so feel free to bring a picnic and a chair or blanket. There is parking on site. If wet, in Owermoigne Village Hall. • Sunday, June 12th, 6.30pm, in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester. Come along and enjoy a picnic from 5pm. Donations will be gratefully received. • Sunday, June 19th, 7pm, at Corfe Castle. Tickets £7 from 01929 481294. Gates open at 6.00pm. Bring a picnic and chair. If wet, in Corfe Castle Village Hall. • Friday, June 24th, 7pm, West Lulworth. Tickets £7 from 01929 400102. Entry from 6pm. Bring a picnic and chair. If wet, in West Lulworth Village Hall. • Sunday, June 26th, 6.30pm, on the Millenium Green, Bridport. • Friday, July 1st, at the Lighthouse, Poole. Tickets £10 from 08444 068666 • Friday, August 26th, 7pm, Athelhampton House near Dorchester. Tickets £12.50: Athelhampton House season ticket holders and New Hardy Players £9. All available from 3rd May on 01305 848363. Gates open from 5.30pm. Bring a picnic and a low back chair or blanket. 30 minute interval at 8pm. Parking on site. PICTURE: Rehearsals are well underway for this yar's production of Tess by the New Hardy Players CommentsThere are no comments yet. Be the first to add one below. Add new commentThe code you entered was incorrect, please try again Return to news headlines | |||||||||||||||
 
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