A Pure Woman

Based on true events, Thomas Hardy, 84, has an affair of the heart with the 20-something Dorset woman playing Tess in the local amateur Hardy Players’ production – which drives Hardy’s second wife, Florence, in her 40s, into a jealous rage. Within this highly theatrical love triangle, a deeply moving portrait of a marriage in extremis is played out. Adapted from Christopher Nicholson’s highly acclaimed novel Winter.

Adaptor and director Simon Reade’s previous touring plays include Pride & Prejudice, A Room With A View and Private Peaceful as well as the screenplay for the recently released feature film Journey’s End. Poonamallee Productions has previously toured Michael Morpurgo’s Toro!Toro! and An Elephant in the Garden, which also starred Alison Reid (who plays Florence). This new co-production with Dorchester Arts has been generously supported by the Steel Trust and by The Hardy Society.

Recommended for Age 11 +

Ticket price includes a £1 contribution to our heritage fund.