Key information
Sunday 8 June
Maumbury Rings
4pm, gates open 3pm
£15, concessions £10/ family for Sunday matinees (2 adults and up to 3 children) £45
Seated (Bring your own low back chairs)
“It is a Saturday afternoon of blue and yellow autumn time, and the scene is the High Street of a well-known market-town. A large carrier’s van stands in the quadrangular fore-court of the White Hart Inn, upon the sides of its spacious tilt being painted, in weather-beaten letters: ‘Burthen, Carrier to Longpuddle…”
To celebrate their 20th year, the New Hardy Players bring Thomas Hardy’s famous series of short stories to beautiful venues all over Dorset. This is Dorset’s most celebrated author’s answer to ‘The Canterbury Tales’ – a series of comic and tragic stories, with small scenes of village gossip from 200 years ago, told by an ensemble of authentic Dorset voices.
Suitable for all ages, the play is followed by country dancing with live music in the best tradition.
Written by Victoria Bowles after Thomas Hardy. Directed by Penny Levicree and Alastair Braidwood.
Doors open an hour early for picnicking. Come early and enjoy festivities before the performance.
Our guide to getting the best out of your time outdoors
Come prepared! – Bring whatever you need for a cosy afternoon. Sun shades, sun cream, hats, a waterproof lap cover (either a sheet of paper or a bin bag work well), and insect spray!
Bring your own seat – Low backed chairs, rugs and a cushion are always nice. Combine comfort and style! Please make sure that any chairs and/or umbrellas will not obscure anyone else’s view.
Gather a posse – Bring friends and family (family tickets are available). The more the merrier for a fun day or night out!
Arrive Early – Pick a great spot and enjoy the atmospheric surroundings. There is plenty of room to run about at Maumbury Rings.
Bring a Torch – It’s very helpful to safely find your way back to the car for evening performances.
Bring a Picnic – Refreshments are also available from an hour before the performance. Note that the refreshment stand is cash only.
Accessibility
Maumbury Rings has wheelchair access. No seats are provided at this venue so please feel free to bring a chair or a picnic. Please note there are no toilets in Maumbury Rings with the nearest being in Farefield car park
Our bar
During our events at Maumbury Rings we have a stall with tea, cakes and soft drinks.
Booking information
Tickets can currently be purchased online or by telephone. The telephone line is manned between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. At all other times please leave your name, telephone number and ticket requirements and we will call you back.
We are not currently able to welcome visitors for advance face-to-face ticket sales.
No booking fees are charged, but a £1 Future Fund levy is included in most ticket prices to support our work. This levy is included in the published ticket price. Concessionary prices (for events promoted by Dorchester Arts): where available, these are offered to under 18s, students, those in receipt of benefits and people on low income regardless of age.
Please note that outdoor performances will go ahead come rain or shine. Cancellation will only occur in extreme circumstances and we will notify ticket holders immediately should such a situation arise.
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