A powerful story about a young girl’s clash with modernity and tradition will be coming to the Rose early next year. Following on from the success of The Crucible last spring, Rose Youth Theatre, Rose Plus Players and Versophiles will be joining forces for a community production.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles tells a heart-rending love story of a young girl from a different era. Tess is a lowborn country girl who discovers her family might have ties to nobility. She is soon sent to rescue them from destitution. A spokesman from the Rose said: "It is going to have a cast of 55 people - a whole village worth of people. It is going to be an epic production."

This specially written adaptation of Thomas Hardy's gripping tale of love, innocence and hypocrisy is set against an evocative pastoral landscape that glows with imagination. Director Ciaran McConville said "Tess lends itself beautifully to a big production and the energy of this cast makes working on the show a joyful experience. I’m delighted there are so many bookings already and I can’t wait to share it with Kingston in January."

Gracey Maloney, who is playing Tess, said: "I was over the moon when I got the part of Tess. Any part in such a fantastic play would have been amazing, but to be given the opportunity to play such an iconic character felt like a dream come true. I just hope I can do her justice."

Tess of the d’Urbervilles The Rose, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, Friday, January 11 and Saturday, January 12, 7.30pm, 2.30pm matinee. Tickets £8-£10, call Box Office on 08444 821 556, visit rosetheatrekingston.org.