Far From the Madding Crowd

Synopsis

The loves of Bathsheba Everdene are brought to life in this story of three rival suitors in rural nineteenth century Wessex. From the steadfast Gabriel Oak to the handsome Sergeant Troy and the lovesick Farmer Boldwood, Bathsheba's journey is one of tragedy and wrong-turnings before she finally finds true love.

Our Review:

3 October 2008

One woman. Three men. And how they affect – and are affected by – a rural community in the 19th century. Landowners and their whims are not the only inconstant in these people’s lives. There is also the weather, livestock disease and the threat from undomesticated predators.

Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd was published in 1874 and gave the writer his first taste of real success. This new stage adaptation for the English Touring Theatre company by Mark Healy is staged by Kate Saxon in a skeleton barn setting of several levels designed by Libby Watson. Six of the 13-strong cast play more than one part, wearing earth and natural-dye colours, against which Sergeant Troy’s military scarlet slashes with as lethal an effect as his show-off sword-drill.

Bathsheba Everdene is the central character, played here by [Rebecca O’Mara] with just the right blend of feisty certainty, undone by a wilful security based as much on her physical attractiveness as on h...

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Latest User Review

David Farthing - 16 October 2008:

At Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre (16 Oct) - a performance that draws you into the story by a very talented group of actors. Great to have the opportunity to discuss it with you afterwards too....

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