Far from the Madding Crowd

Bathsheba Everdene is young, spirited and beautiful. She is accustomed to being admired. She has already rejected the advances of her loyal friend and shepherd, Gabriel Oak, and of an older, wealthier man who is completely besotted with her. Like the young Queen Victoria, who has just taken the reigns of Empire, Bathsheba intends to run her farm with strength and determination. But then she encounters the dashing Sergeant Troy – and for once, Bathsheba is no longer in control.

Thomas Hardy’s famous novel explores the lives and loves of ordinary people, firmly rooted in the seasonal calendar of rural England. With feelings running so high and Hardy at the helm, tragedy is almost inevitable. But will Bathsheba survive all that fate is about to throw at her? And can she find lasting love?

The LADS production of Far from the Madding Crowd is directed by Alison Utting (Under Milk Wood, The Accrington Pals). It’s a fast-moving telling of the story, accompanied by traditional music of the period, with tunes collected by Hardy himself. With performances at Ellesmere College, Oswestry's KinoKulture and Llanymynech Village Hall, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch this exciting production.

Richard III comes to the Willow Globe

Following a hugely successful debut at Chirk Castle, the LADS are bringing their production of Richard III to the Willow Globe in Rhayadr. This magical space, created from living willow as a miniature of Shakespeare's own theatre, will be a perfect setting for this lavish and energetic production. 

Here are some reviews from our Chirk audiences:

"Are you sure they were amateurs?"

"Lovely version - all the best bits!"

"I didn't think I'd enjoy flipping Shakespeare, but they made it come to life".

"You couldn't have a better evening, a better setting, or a better performance - please thank them!" (From an elderly couple who said that they had been to very many outdoor Shakespeares)

The Willow Globe performances will be on 7th September (evening) and 8th September (matinee). Bring a picnic, enjoy the bar and make the most of a really special venue. 

If you can't make it to Rhayadr, there will be performances at the Walker Theatre (Theatre Severn) in Shrewsbury on 17th and 18th September. Tickets selling fast! 

Far from the Madding Crowd

Our November production will be 'Far from the Madding Crowd', adapted by Matthew White from the novel by Thomas Hardy.

Bathsheba Everdene is young, spirited and beautiful. She is accustomed to being admired. She has already rejected the advances of her loyal friend and shepherd, Gabriel Oak, and of an older, wealthier man who is completely besotted with her. Like the young Queen Victoria, who has just taken the reigns of Empire, Bathsheba intends to run her farm with strength and determination. But then she encounters the dashing Sergeant Troy – and for once, Bathsheba is no longer in control.

Thomas Hardy’s famous novel explores the lives and loves of ordinary people, firmly rooted in the seasonal calendar of rural England. With feelings running so high and Hardy at the helm, tragedy is almost inevitable. But will Bathsheba survive all that fate is about to throw at her? And can she find lasting love?

The LADS production of Far from the Madding Crowd is directed by Alison Utting (Under Milk Wood, The Accrington Pals). It’s a fast-moving telling of the story, accompanied by traditional music of the period, with tunes collected by Hardy himself. With performances at Ellesmere College, KinoKulture independent cinema, and Llanymynech Village Hall, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch this exciting production.

Richard III performance cancelled

We are very sorry to announce that this evening's performance of Richard III has had to be cancelled. This is due to Chirk Castle taking the decision to close the premises in light of weather warnings. 

We apologise for any incovenience and would like to assure all those who have pre-booked tickets that all online purchases will be refunded. If you purchased your tickets from Rowanthorn, please return them to the shop for a refund. 

Please watch our website and Facebook page for updates about future performances. 

Once again, we are very sorry not to be entertaining you this evening. 

Some needful advice...

Now listen up...
The medieval mafia have sent me, Lord Hastings - aka Baron Bill - to give you some needful advice about coming to watch our play. (Richard III, this Thursday and Friday at Chirk Castle, in case you've forgotten.)
So sit up and listen, or I'll lamp ya with my lute.
 
– As it’s an outdoor production it’s advisable to BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS. There will be a few there but not enough for everyone.
– It’s a long play (with interval) so bring warm clothing for the cool night air, and come prepared for showers.
– Starts 7.30, but doors open at 6 so do feel free to bring a picnic and make an evening of it. The café will be open until the start, and again in the interval.
– Parking will be up by the castle itself rather than in the usual public car park at the bottom of the hill. Follow stewards’ directions. The performance is in the castle courtyard.