About A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music

Join us for a unique event at an iconic site.

Performed in front of the Stone Circle, A Beautiful Thread weaves Hardy's life with his beautiful poetry and great novels.

Hardy put more music into his work than any other writer, and Orchestra of the Swan's Artistic Director, David Le Page, has devised a musical programme that combines West Gallery music with Holst, Warlock and contemporary folk. Adapted by Deirdre Shields, Hardy's writing shines as bright as ever.

Anton Lesser and Lucia Bonbright bring a hugely varied cast to dazzling life: from Hardy and his mother, to George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf, along with characters from his noverls. The show also highlights Hardy's humour, his modernity, the time-span he lived through and his global reach, from Hollywood to Japan.

  • You will be given a set of headphones to listen to the performance through.
  • Hearing aid users will be able to access the music via a hearing loop, please add this information to your booking so we can allocate a neck loop.
  • No seating will be provided, so please bring picnic blankets. Due to the sensitive nature of the ground at Stonehenge, please only bring camping chairs if needed for mobility reasons.
  • Let us get you there! A Return Bus Service will depart from Salisbury Train Station at 7pm and return there at the end of the performance, for only £3 per person. Pre-bookings only and limited spaces. With Thanks to Salisbury Reds, Stonehenge Tour.
  • Please wear appropriate clothing for the outdoors
  • Please note that in the event of extreme bad weather, the performance will take place in the Main House at Salisbury Playhouse

Dates & times