A cavalcade of camaraderie is travelling through Dorset over the next two weekends, bringing some of Thomas Hardy’s lesser known stories to life in four of the county’s most breathtaking outdoor settings.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the New Hardy Players are touring A Few Crusted Characters, a series of short stories that have been described as ‘Hardy’s Canterbury Tales’.
A cart with a full complement of passengers is travelling from the prosperous market town of Casterbridge, Hardy’s version of Dorchester, to the village of Longpuddle. En route they meet a stranger – the audience – and stop to relate a series of tales about local characters, their good luck and misfortunes.
The 90-minute play has been adapted from the original texts by local new writer Victoria Bowles and is directed by Penny Levick and Alastair Braidwood. The cast of 30, aged between seven and over 70, play everything from drunk farmers, lusty youths, canny lasses and a vicar to bees, cattle, a hedge and trees.
Alastair said: “Performing in beautiful settings with live music is a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary. The New Hardy Players are known for their faithful adaptations of Hardy’s works and this will be an authentic retelling of his tales that everyone can enjoy.”
As well as evening performances there will be two afternoon shows for families, which will include children’s games and activities beforehand.
Penny added: “We are putting together a very ambitious show in a short space of time and it’s been amazing seeing it come to life.
“We are a diverse cast of players, about half of them have never worked with the New Hardy Players before, but were in the community play or local drama groups. It is an ensemble piece with no ‘main star’ – every part is important and our players love feeling a part of this group.
“They are people who love Dorset and the local community and its heritage and are having a great time putting this together!”
The New Hardy Players formed in 2005, at the request of Norrie Woodhall on her 100th birthday. Norrie was the last surviving member of Thomas Hardy’s original band of players who formed in 1908, with his blessing, to stage adaptations of his works.
Alastair said: “I think Hardy would be absolutely thrilled if he could see what we are doing here and that his work was still being performed.
“He championed ‘normal’ people who were often looked down upon and he would be delighted that we are still celebrating them today.”
A Few Crusted Characters is being staged at Abbotsbury Swannery on June 6 and 7 (7.30pm performances), Maumbury Rings, Dorchester on June 8 (4pm family show), Holme Gardens, Wareham on Friday, June 13 (7.30pm) and Minterne House near Dorchester on Saturday July 14 (7.30pm) and Sunday, June 15 (4pm).
Tickets are £15 with concessions, from Dorchester Arts on 01305 266926 and dorchesterarts.org.uk
Photo: Ollie Hickey/NHP