The Woodlanders
A unique and magical production capturing the woodland spirit of Hardy’s most poetic novel
Directed by Tim Laycock, Emma Hill and Carole Redhouse
Based on an adaptation by Emily Fearn
The story begins with Marty South working tirelessly to make ends meet whilst caring for her ill father and harbouring the secret of her love for Giles Winterbourne. Giles’ familiar and comfortable world is turned upside down when his childhood sweetheart and true love Grace Melbury returns to the community a now cultured and refined young woman. With the arrival of the dashing Dr Edred Fitzpiers, coupled with the actions of the glamorous and powerful Mrs Charmond, a tangled web of deceit and betrayal unfolds, whilst the undercurrent of love and unity continues to rustle through the leaves of the rustic chorus empowering all within Hintock.
See a couple of short excerpts from the play, performed to celebrate Thomas Hardy’s birthday on 1 June 2013, outside County Hall in Dorchester, on You Tube
The New Hardy Players 