A Timeless Tale Returns: “Far from the Madding Crowd” Comes to Swindon Arts Centre

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Thomas Hardy’s much-loved novel, Far from the Madding Crowd, is being brought to life on stage by Conn Artists Theatre Company. This fresh adaptation by Nick Young and Ross Muir begins its nationwide tour in February 2025 and will make a highly anticipated stop at Swindon Arts Centre on 8th February 2025.

Set in the picturesque yet challenging world of Victorian rural England, the story follows Bathsheba Everdene, a determined woman who inherits a farm and must navigate the trials of managing it – all while caught in a web of romance with three very different men. Gabriel Oak, a dependable shepherd; Sergeant Troy, a dashing but reckless soldier; and the wealthy, reserved Mr Boldwood each bring their own complications to Bathsheba’s already complex life.

This adaptation is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of live folk music, dramatic storytelling, and a small but talented cast of five actors. The production aims to transport viewers back to a time of sweeping landscapes, social divides, and deeply human emotions.

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Ross Muir, who adapted and produced the play, explained: “Far from the Madding Crowd is an exciting return to previous literary stage adaptations that we have produced in the past, like George Eliot’s Silas Marner and Hilaire Belloc’s The Four Men, which I feel are the heart and soul of Conn Artists live theatre work. Our adaptation will be fast moving and inventive with interlinking folk songs. Far from the Madding Crowd will appeal not only to fans of Thomas Hardy but to anyone who simply wants to come to the theatre and enjoy a gripping romantic story.”

Director Nick Young added: “A great novel, great characters and lots of dramatic action. Bringing these all to life is what theatre does best. The heroine is, in many ways, a very contemporary woman. Strong, independent, attractive but flawed by her vanity. Tragedy, comedy and passion walk hand in hand in this unforgettable piece of drama, performed in Conn Artists unique style”

Produced in partnership with Play to the Crowd, the tour opens at Theatre Royal Winchester on 4th February 2025, visiting more than 40 venues across the country.

Tickets for the Swindon Arts Centre performance are available online, don’t miss the chance to experience this spellbinding adaptation.

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