THE New Hardy Players have announced that tickets are again available for all of their tenth anniversary season’s open-air performances of The Return Of The Native around Hardy Country.

The popularity of Howard Payton’s new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s story of intrigue, hope and destiny on Egdon Heath, has meant that tickets have sold out even faster this year than usual, disappointing some fans.

Andy Worth, chairman of the New Hardy Players, said: “Max Gate sells out every year, but I’m delighted that tickets have sold so well for our tenth anniversary production”.

To cater for this unexpected demand, the New Hardy Players have agreed extra capacity with venues including Max Gate, the home Thomas Hardy designed and built for his family.

The Return Of The Native will be performed outdoors at Max Gate (July 9 and 10), Minterne House (July 11), Lulworth Cove (July 16 and 17) and Watercombe House (near Owermoigne) (July 18) in support of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Julia’s House and Dorset Wildlife Trust.

A limited number of tickets are again available for all venues from the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre and also from Lulworth Castle and Heritage Centre, West Lulworth for the Lulworth Cove shows only.

Further information and eTickets for all venues are available online at http://hardyonline.org

The New Hardy Players can also be seen this summer at the popular Tea With Mr Hardy events at Max Gate.