Far From The Madding Crowd

Bingley Little Theatre is to be commended for its wide-ranging choice of plays.

But I'm not sure that Matthew White's adaptation of the Thomas Hardy Novel, Far From the Madding Crowd, was a wise one.

I found Monday's first night performance lacklustre, though the cast did seem to 'warm up' by the second half.

And while I appreciated the difficulty of numerous scene changes the set was not up to the usual standard either.

However, Alison Broadley shone as leading lady Bathsheba Everdene, who attracted the attentions of three men, the diffident Gabriel Oak played by Jonathan Oak, rich man William Boldwood (Robin Martin) and cad Francis Troy (Tim Lobley).

Alison was well cast as the spirited Bathsheba. Kate Robinson, in her first role with BLT, was capable, but difficult to hear.

Credit must go to the wardrobe team for the 19th century costumes, several of which portrayed farm workers.

* Bingley Arts Centre, tonight/tomorrow 7.30pm, phone 01274 752000.

SYLVIA THOMPSON