TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES
South Hill Park (2012), Theatre Royal, Winchester (2017), The Other Palace, London (2018)
Music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary
Book and direction by Gerry Flanagan
Orchestrations by Simon Nathan
Tess of the d’Urbervilles is a sweeping, emotional musical adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel. It follows Tess, a poor country girl whose life is upended by betrayal, class, and cruel fate. With a rich score and powerful storytelling, the show explores love, resilience, and a woman’s fight for dignity in a harsh Victorian world.
★★★★ ‘Pippa Cleary’s comic songs prove especially valuable in setting into relief its more intense plotlines….The strong folk songs capture perfectly the rural setting of 19th century Wessex.’ Musical Theatre Review