THE New Hardy Players, formed to celebrate the work of Dorset’s greatest writer, celebrate their 20th anniversary this year, touring A Few Crusted Characters from 6th to 15th June. The new play has been created from a series of short stories, and willl be performed at beautiful open air venues including Abbotsbury Swannery and Maumbury Rings.
The New Hardy Players were founded in 2005, at the request of the late Norrie Woodhall on her 100th birthday. Norrie was the last surviving member of Thomas Hardy’s original band of players which was formed in 1908, with his blessing, to stage adaptations of his works.
The anniversary play, directed by Penny Levick and Alastair Braidwood, has been created by local writer Victoria Bowles from some of the 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 cast of 30, aged between seven and over 70, play everything from drunken farmers, lusty youths, canny lasses and a vicar to bees, cattle, a hedge and trees.
Alastair says: “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. 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.”
Penny says: “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 are newcomers to the New Hardy Players, but have been seen 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!”
A Few Crusted Characters is being staged at Abbotsbury Swannery on 6th and 7th June at 7.30pm, Maumbury Rings, Dorchester on 8th June (4pm family show), Holme Gardens, Wareham on Friday, 13th, at 7.30pm, and Minterne House near Dorchester on Saturday 14th at 7.30 and Sunday 15th at 4pm.
Tickets from Dorchester Arts on 01305 266926 and dorchesterarts.org.uk