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Toured summer 2005
(itinerary below):
NB Excellent responses across the board. View
A5 leaflet?
THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE
Adapted
from Thomas Hardy’s novel by Philip Goulding
When 21 year-old hay-trusser Michael
Henchard gets drunk and sells his wife and her baby for 5 guineas at
Weydon-Priors Fair to a sailor, he reaches a turning-point in his life. He vows
temperance, tries in vain to find his wife, applies himself to such an extent
that he becomes a substantial businessman and Mayor of Casterbridge. But he
never manages to escape his inner loneliness and his need to impose his will on
others and command their total loyalty.
The rich pageant of characters who create
impact on his life include amongst others the too-brilliant Scotsman, Donald
Farfrae, and three women – his rediscovered wife, Susan, his mistress and
intended wife, Lucetta, and the girl who may be his daughter, Elizabeth-Jane.
Wood-engraving by Peter Reddick from Thomas Hardy, Mayor of
Casterbridge, 1968 ã The Folio Society,
This powerful story confirmed Thomas
Hardy as a major novelist. Philip Goulding’s adaptation (originally for a
production by Forest Forge and
"This excellent
adaptation" (
"...quite extraordinary clarity" (The Guardian)
"...nicely follows the tragic curve of the fortunes of Michael
Henchard" (Financial Times)
"...fine adaptation" (Interval Magazine)
"A gripping saga" (The Independent)
The Wessex Actors Company has earned
its reputation for quality Hardy adaptations over the years. "The Mayor of
Casterbridge" will be the company’s 6th production by this
internationally acclaimed writer. Our last was our second production of Hardy’s
own adaptation of "Tess of the D’Urbervilles" in 2001:..........
"The
Wessex Actors Company with Michael Barry's sympathetic, uncluttered direction
continues to give value... leaving the starring role to Thomas Hardy and his
narrative."
"A magnificent week..."
"The Wessex Actors Company totally transfixed the audience from start to
finish. The acting was superb."
"..performed by a highly talented group. This powerful production is not
to be missed."
"...wonderfully captivating and moving..."
"Thank you for the wonderful performance."
"A compelling night's entertainment."
"Rep isn't dead, it's alive and well and producing mini-masterpieces like
this all over the country."
The Wessex Actors Company production
of "The Mayor of Casterbridge" toured between late March and early
May 2005.
Contact: Michael Barry 01278 733100/
07906 364189
MAYOR OF
CASTERBRIDGE - ITINERARY
7.30 unless indicated.
27/4
Preview - The Place, Taunton
29/4 Dumbleton Village Hall (01386 861478)
30/4 Wharf Theatre, Tavistock 8pm (01822 611166)
3/5 Weymouth Pavilion (Ocean Room) (01305 783225)
4/5 Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton (01823 414141)
5/5 Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis (01297 442138)
6/5 Rondo Theatre, Bath 8pm (01225 444003)
10/5 Grange School, Christchurch 1.20 pm (internal perf)
11/5 Bere Regis Village Hall (01929 471342)
14/5 Arc Theatre Trowbridge (01225 766241/ 756376)
18/5 Corn Exchange, Dorchester 8 pm (TIC:01305 267992)
19/5 The Space, Stroud (01453 764395 Riffs Music)
20/5 Quantock Lodge (01278 733100/ 732252) (indoors)
21/5 Puddletown Village Hall (01305 848646)
25/5 Barrington Theatre, Ferndown (01202 894858)
2/6 Digby Hall, Sherborne Festival 01935 815899)
3+4/6 Fyne Court, Taunton (01823 652400; Taunton TIC 01823 336344) (indoors)
The Counting
House
Dodington
Bridgwater
Somerset TA5 1LE
01278 733100
wessexactors@perceptivecreation.co.uk
web site: www.wessexactors.netfirms.com