Category: Uncategorized

Another chance to see “Woodland Words” coming up on 2 May.

On Saturday 2nd May, members of the New Hardy Players will be performing Woodland Words, a 30 minute programme of poetry, prose and drama inspired by the writings of Thomas Hardy. This much- praised  programme was first performed at the official opening of The Hardy’s Cottage Visitors Centre, and includes excerpts from Under the Greenwood Tree, The Woodlanders and Far From The Madding Crowd.

1.00pm The first performance  at the Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre.

2.15pm we will repeat the performance in the Woods behind Hardy’s Cottage.

3.30pm, to celebrate the release of the new film of Far From the Madding Crowd,  we will recreate the entertainment at the Shearing Supper in the garden in front of Hardy’s Cottage.  This performance will last approximately 45 minutes. Come along and join in the singing!

 

Normal National Trust admission applies.

March 28 – At Max Gate

The National Trust are the owners of Max Gate, Hardy’s House in Dorchester and his cottage in Higher Bockhampton.

The New Hardy Players work closely with the National Trust in bringing Hardy’s works to life – these shots of characters from this year’s performance “The Return of The Native” are taken in the grounds of Max Gate.

Woman, young man and girl together, all well dressed

On a very chilly March day the Yeobright Family were photographed in the garden, Mrs Yeobright (Emma Hill), Thomasin (Amelia Chorley), and Clym Yeobright,  ‘the Returning Native’, (Toby Ingram).

Man in casual russet jacket and soft hat siting on bench with girl wrapped in green shawl

Diggory Venn, the Reddleman, ( Alastair Simpson)  and Thomasin Yeobright (Amelia Chorley), brave the cold March wind together

 

March 23 – Music rehearsal

Group of six people sitting in a hall playing instruments

Alastair Simpson (Musical Director) rehearsing some of the musicians playing the lively music for the Christmas party scene and some other tunes ready for the full cast rehearsal on Sunday.

March 14 – Photo Shoot

Yet again we were lucky with the weather when we gathered three of the principal characters together for the first time on “Egdon Heath” just behind Hardy’s Birthplace.

Young man looking smart in shirt and cravat

Young woman with long hair, in black cloak with red lining

Young man in work shirt and waistcoat, holding a tankard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos above: Toby Ingram as Clym Yeobright, Kitty Sansom as Eustacia Vye, and Anthony Atkin as Damon Wildeve are pictured against Hardy’s famous brooding landscape.

 

Eustacia, Toby and Damon
Eustacia, Damon and Clym
Two young men and a young woman together, smiling
Damon, Eustacia and Clym

 

Watch this space for another set of photographs of our characters on the Heath.

Many thanks once again to Lou Pugh and her team for organising and making the costumes.

Feb 15 – Return of The Native – first full rehearsal

The first full rehearsal of Hardy’s “The Return of The Native” took place on Sunday 15th of February at the Brownsword Hall In Poundbury.

It was great to see nearly 30 enthusiastic Hardy Players tackling and blocking two complicated ensemble scenes: Scene One and Scene Five. Blocking is the working out of who stands and moves where in each part of the play: one of those things a watcher takes for granted (if we get it right!) but which can take a long time to perfect and for the actors to remember.

Scene 1  is set on Egdon Heath and involves the Heathfolk and all the Furzecutters interacting around a bonfire on November 5th.

Scene 5 sees the Mummers give full voice and energy to the entertaining set piece which the company watch at a Christmas party.

Alastair Simpson ran a singing workshop too, to introduce the cast to a couple of the lively songs that will feature in the production.
Looking forward to building on this on Sunday March 8th when we will be rehearsing at The United Church in Dorchester.

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑