THE turbulently beating heart of rural Dorset is laid bare this week when Weymouth Drama Club stages Far From the Madding Crowd at the town’s Pavilion theatre.

Directed by Dennis Dunford, the cast breathe vibrant life into Thomas Hardy’s perennially popular, if tragic, tale of feisty landowner Bathsheba Everdene and the three men who set out to woo her, all against a backdrop of Dorset’s beautiful countryside.

The role of Bathsheba is being played by Gina Huntley, with Ralph Wheeler as loyal shepherd Gabriel Oak, Joe parsons as the dashing Sargent Troy and Paul Gorsach as unlucky Squire Boldwood.

The comedy element of the play comes from a group of yokels played by, among others, Derek Sawtell, Andy Neeve and Daphne Payne.

This production brilliantly portrays what is probably Thomas Hardys best-known novel. It evokes the Dorset countryside in the 19th century and a large cast of local people have worked hard to bring this classic tale to the stage.

Derek said: “It has been going well and I have an excellent cast.

“It is beautifully written and the scenes just seem to flow from one to the next. Much of the play takes place in the open air and as there is the most minimal of sets, the production has a real feeling of space to it.”

He added: “I think the cast are enjoying it. Sometimes there is a lot of chat in rehearsals but this time they have been concentrating and working really hard. They are interested in the production and that shows.

“It is a wonderful story that a lot of people are familiar with and I hope people enjoy it.”

Far From the Madding Crowd is at Weymouth Pavilion from tomorrow until Saturday, October 29 with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10.50 from the box office on 01305 783225.