Tess of the d'Urbervilles at Theatre Royal Winchester

Free-spirited country girl Tess Durbeyfield knows nothing of the world outside her own village. 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.

"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..."

Tess of the d’Urbervilles is dramatically set against a backdrop of Wessex countryside and Winchester. Director Gerry Flanagan (The King Lear), alongside award-winning composer Pippa Cleary (The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾), bring this dark love story to life with an exciting blend of physical theatre and compelling songs mixed with vibrant storytelling and physical comedy. We will play with Hardy’s ingredients yet remain faithful to his themes. There will be irreverence but no parody. The result is both humorous and heart-rending.