TONIGHT will see the final performance of the New Hardy Players' Return of the Native.

Stepping into the role of 'the native' Clym Yeobright at Watercombe House near Owermoigne is Ieuan Jeffcott.

This role was formerly played by Toby Ingram, a Thomas Hardye school sixth former.

Director Howard Payton said: “ Toby has worked extremely hard and we are very proud that he has been accepted onto a prestigious London drama course.

"It did mean that he was unavailable for the second week of the run.

"However, we have been fortunate to secure the services of a local young professional actor Ieuan Jeffcott and he will be playing the part of Clym at Watercombe House for the final night on Saturday July 18.”

Ieuan lives in Portesham and went to school at Budmouth College.

He graduated at Arts University Bournemouth with a BA Acting in 2014.

He has been busy since graduation, creating the role of Bob in AsOne Theatre Production Passion and has just returned from Italy where he toured in productions for Lingue Senza Frontiere.

Show details and tickets are available from the New Hardy Players website hardyonline.org or at the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992.