- Ticket price:
- From: £15
- Running time:
- 2hrs (incl interval)
Tess is a groundbreaking circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
Following the hugely successful sold-out tour in 2024, Ockham’s Razor, produced by Turtle Key Arts, return with Tess.
An ensemble of performers weave together Hardy’s words and the extreme physicality of circus to tell this tale of power, loss and endurance.
Against a backdrop of projections, the cast wield wooden planks, climb shifting walls and move through ropes and swathes of linen to evoke the vast landscapes and interior worlds of Hardy’s Wessex.
It is a story which still has extraordinary relevance for our times in its incredibly nuanced evocation of female relationships, sexual desire, consent, privilege and poverty.
“A coming together of talents to make something quite special out of one of the cornerstones of the literary canon. The sheer level of talent and ingenuity displayed by the cast brings us to our feet” – StageTalk ★★★★★
“Beautifully rendered, richly directed – the level of fidelity to Hardy’s novel and attention to detail is astonishing.” – Lou Reviews ★★★★
This retelling captures the beauty, heartbreak and yearning of the novel and draws upon the incredible strength of the circus body to create a Tess as heroic as Hardy intended.
Adapted and Directed by Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney – Ockham’s Razor
Produced by Alison King – Turtle Key Arts
Choreography Nathan Johnston
Composition, Sound Design and Production Holly Khan
Design & Equipment Concept Ockham’s Razor in association with Tina Bicât
Set and Costume Design Tina Bicât
Lighting Design Aideen Malone
Full of joy, wonder and delightThe Guardian
Captivating and exhilarating, this production is hypnotic and teeming with physical creativity. Unmissable.Everything Theatre
Ingenious, an inspired adaptationThe Stage