ONE of the greatest love stories in English literature is being brought to the stage at Rugby Theatre.
A stage adaption of Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd opens at the Henry Street venue on Saturday (September 14).
The story offers an evocative portrayal of rural life in 19th-century England, with compelling characters, sweeping romance and plenty of scandal.
Director Ashley Hirons said: “This is a four-way love story set in an isolated, rural location where gossip and reputation count for a lot.
“It’s a tale of passion, loyalty and determination, with the focus being a young woman in a man’s world.”
Far From the Madding Crowd follows Bathsheba Everdene, an independent and strong-willed woman who inherits her uncle’s farm and navigates the challenges of love, lust and responsibility.
The play delves into Bathsheba’s relationships with three very different suitors – the steady and loyal Gabriel Oak, the wealthy but troubled William Boldwood, and the dashing but reckless Sergeant Troy. Behind them sits the Weatherbury Farm community, whose livelihood depend on the decisions these characters make.
Ashley added: “I’ve been a fan of Thomas Hardy since I was at school on the south coast close to Hardy’s Wessex, and the evocation of a rural life in transition, combined with the heightened emotions of individuals living in that world, captivated my imagination.
“The novel’s adaptation for stage by Mark Healy allows us to recreate this world using a simple backdrop, with smooth transitions enabling us to bring this story of passion and fate to life.
“Tragic yet heartening, the play is a gripping reminder that the concepts of happily ever after and true love are never straightforward.”
He added the show featured a mix of Rugby Theatre veterans and newcomers, with period costumes and a set that ‘captures the essence of the English countryside’.
Far From the Madding Crowd runs from September 14-21, with some discounted tickets available for the Monday to Wednesday shows. Visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call the Rugby Theatre box office on 01788 541234 for tickets.
