Theatre company Ockham Razor's version of Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles with a feminist spin is set to visit Malvern next month.

Aptly named 'Tess', the adaptation combines the original text and expressive circus performances to delve into power, loss and strength through a feminist perspective.

The cast features five female and two male circus performers from diverse backgrounds to embrace both masculine and feminine roles.

The production also features a female actress and a female circus performer, both of whom portray 'Tess'.

Ockham’s Razor's own acrobatics, aerial theatrics and design will meet to illustrate Hardy’s world.

Making their debut in novel adaptation, Ockham’s Razor has adapted the script from Hardy's own words, receiving guidance from renowned novelist and screenwriter, Anne Marie Casey in efforts to ensure the script retains the author's signature style.

The cast will utilise their own strength and circus skills to embody the physical labour depicted in the novel.

Reviving Hardy's Wessex on stage, the performers will interact with wooden planks, walls, ropes and swathes of linen to create dynamic sets.

Directors Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney said: "Tess of the D’Urbervilles has been adapted before for TV and film but it always struck us that the poetry of the book, the radical nature of it and the strength and heroism of Tess was often lost in translation.

"Over time we became increasingly convinced that circus, and all the physicality of it, would be the perfect medium for capturing all the many elements of the novel.

"One of the surprises in the creation of Tess is how much joy and humour there is to find in the novel and the staging

"There is a seam of joy in there which is captured by the play and collaboration of the ensemble."

Local audiences will be able to experience the adaptation when the production visits Malvern Theatre on Monday, November 13, and Tuesday, November 14.

Further tour details and booking information for shows can be found through the company’s official website, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts, which are all labelled ‘OckhamsRazorUK’.