THOMAS Hardy's classic rural tragedy Far from the Madding Crowd is the summer production from the Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS).

The play, which starts its run next week at the town's Market Theatre, is set in rural Dorset in the 1840s and follows the life of Bathsheba Everdine (Lisa Peckham) and the men vying for her affections, Sergeant Troy (Richard Williams), Gabriel Oak (Paul Graham) and Farmer Boldwood (Peter Orme).

The tragic role of Fanny Robbin is played by newcomer to the group, Penny Asquith.

Matthew White's adaptation of the book has woven in local characters Joseph (Paul Onions), Jan (Mark Stevenson) and Liddy (Rachel Williams) to provide a narrative background and add a touch of humour to the stark story of life, love and death.

"I chose it firstly because I really like Thomas Hardy," said director Shirley Lewis.

"This is a really good adaptation of a really good story."

The subject of the play is in stark contrast to Mrs Lewis' last production, Noel Coward's comedy Hay Fever.

"Well, I like a bit of a challenge," she said. "It's good for the cast to cover a range and good for the audience as well."

The production has a distinctive folk theme to it, which is enhanced by the inclusion of a junior chorus who perform two folk dances as well as 12-year-old Jenny Low on violin and Steve Glennie-Smith on accordion.

The cast of nine has been rehearsing since the beginning of March and Mrs Lewis said that, while it had been a lot of hard work, it had also been a lot of fun.

LADS, which was founded in 1938, owns and runs the year-old Market Theatre on Market Street in Ledbury.

Initially founded as a cine society, it soon became a drama society and is now more of a community theatre.

Anyone is welcome to join, regardless of age and experience.

Far from the Madding Crowd runs from Tuesday (June 12) to Saturday (June 16), and starts at 8pm. Tickets are £6, available from Ledbury Books and Maps, Top Cross, Ledbury, on 01531 63326.