Dorchester Arts is welcoming back audiences and kicking off a summer of live outdoor shows with a performance of Hardy's classic Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

Following on from a superb production of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd in 2017, Hotbuckle make a welcome return, bringing what is perhaps one of Hardy's finest works back to his home town.

The performance will take place at Maumbury Rings on Thursday June 24.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles traces the life of the young country girl Tess Durbeyfield. Driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urberville family, the innocent Tess crosses paths with her 'cousin', the dissolute Alec and the gentleman, Angel Clare, with tragic results.

Mark Tattersall, Dorchester Arts artistic director, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming audiences back and hopefully seeing new faces in the crowd.

"It has been a long and challenging year and one that has highlighted the importance of live performances to our health and wellbeing.

"What better way to start our summer outdoor season than with a production of Hardy's classic Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Hotbuckle's 2017 production of Far From The Madding Crowd in the Corn Exchange was exceptional and there's no doubt that this production of Tess is also in safe hands."

Tickets cost £14 or £12 for members of Dorchester Arts, under 18s or those on low incomes, and £44 for a family - four people and maximum of two adults. They are available here or from the Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, which is open 9.30am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday.

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