Youth Music Theatre UK

'Thus, the thing began… why was she doomed to be seen and coveted that day by the wrong man, and not by some other man, the right and desired one…'

Free-spirited country girl Tess Durbeyfield knows nothing of the world outside her own village but then she finds a job that will change her life forever.

When she is caught between her wealthy, manipulative, cousin Alec and the handsome, educated, farmer Angel Clare, a dark love story unfolds leading to seduction, abandonment, and murder.

Tragedy is unavoidable as Tess finds she is powerless to change her fate.

Director Gerry Flanagan, alongside award-winning composer Pippa Cleary, brings this dark love story to life with an exciting blend of physical theatre and compelling songs mixed with vibrant storytelling and physical comedy.

Flanagan plays with Hardy’s ingredients yet remains faithful to his themes. There will be irreverence but no parody.

The result – theatre that is hilarious and heart breaking.