CENTENARIAN Norrie Woodhall has taken up a new career as a playwright.

And Mrs Woodhall, 101, is set to appear in the play she helped pen with Devina Symes for the New Hardy Players later this year.

Mrs Woodhall first took to the stage 84 years ago playing Liza-Lu in Hardy's Tess of the D'Urberbvilles alongside her sister Gertrude Bugler.

Her memories of that time have been used to write the final scene of the play - A Life in Three Strands - which recounts Hardy's life, its humble beginnings to his final days, in Dorchester where Mrs Wooodhall and her sister were very much a part.

The New Hardy Players were formed in 2005 to celebrate Norrie's 100th birthday.

Since their formation, The New Hardy Players have performed Return of the Native and Under the Greenwood Tree, which saw Mrs Woodhall treading the boards once again.

As in the previous two years, profits from the play will go to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, as will the profits from Norrie's autobiography, which will be on sale at the performances.

A spokesman for the players said: "Born in Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester in 1840, Hardy's keen observations of people and nature were the raw inspiration for his remarkable works.

"A Life of Three Strands draws together the influences and inspirations that helped to shape the world famous author he was destined to become.

"These special evenings with Thomas Hardy will include poetry, authentic music and dance."

Performances of A Life of Three Strands will take place on . . .

  • June 28, 7.30pm at The United Church, South Street, Dorchester. Tickets £5 are available from the Dorchester TIC from mid-May. Tel: 01305 267992, or on the door.
  • June 30, 7.30pm in the ruins of Corfe Castle. By kind permission of The National Trust. Tickets £5, available by phoning 01929 481294.
  • July 1, early evening at Owermoigne. For details telephone 01305 854835.
  • July 3, 7.30pm at the Rex Cinema, Wareham. Tickets £5 are available from Wareham TIC from June 1 by phoning 01929 552740, or on the door.