THALIAN Theatre Group’s latest production kicks off today with an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times.
Set in fictional Coketown, the story hinges on the gulf between the newly-rich of the cotton-spinning metropolis and the squalid lives of the poor.
Despite the grimness, Hard Times is packed with humour, along with memorable characters, including Thomas Gradgrind, upholder of the school of hard facts, the hilariously pompous Bounderby, and Mr Sleary, owner of a travelling circus.
The play is on at the Towngate Theatre, St Martin’s Square, Basildon, until Saturday.
Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50. Call 01268 288114.
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