TESS

A bold new vision of Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

images by Kie Cummings

Ockham’s Razor produced by Turtle Key Arts

Presents

Tess

Based on the novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Promo filmed at The Peacock Theatre, Sadler's Wells - January 2024

In October 2023 we premierered our new show Tess, an adaption of Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles, it toured the UK throughout 2023 and 2024 and will tour again in 2025, dates TBC. It weaves together acrobatics, aerial, physical theatre and an inventive, evocative set to conjure Hardy’s world.

“full of joy, wonder and delight, a highly original interpretation.”

The Guardian ★★★★

“Captivating and exhilarating, this production is hypnotic and teeming with physical creativity. Unmissable.”

Everything Theatre ★★★★★

“ingenious, an inspired adaptation”

The Stage ★★★★

“A coming together of talents to make something quite special out of one of the cornerstones of the literary canon. The sheer level of talent and ingenuity displayed by the cast brings us to our feet”

StageTalk ★★★★★

“beautifully rendered, richly directed - the level of fidelity to Hardy’s novel and attention to detail is astonishing.”

Lou Reviews ★★★★

The classic novel still has extraordinary relevance for contemporary audiences as it explores questions of privilege, class, poverty, agency, female desire and solidarity.

It is the first time we have worked from a novel and it’s thrilling to weave together Hardy’s words with our physical storytelling to tell this gut-wrenching story about the strength to endure.

The piece toured to UK theatres and wss accompanied by free workshops which fed in to the GCSE / A-Level syllabus. To download the workshop pack CLICK HERE.

If you are interested in commissioning, programming, or supporting this work or would like further information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

We are looking for new members to join our Advisory Board who will help to shape the future of the company.

Ockham’s Razor is an award-winning circus theatre company that is governed by the Company Directors – Charlotte Mooney and Alex Harvey, supported by our Producers at Turtle Key Arts and a group of external advisors. The advisors are volunteers with an array of backgrounds and skills that will add valuable insight and support throughout the growth of the company as part of our Advisory Board.

Advisors act as key figures, taking an active role in developing and supporting the organisation, drawing on their individual expertise to offer advice and guidance to the Directors as they develop Ockham’s Razor’s vision, structure and strategy. Members with particular expertise may also be asked to contribute to individual projects.

The Advisory Board meets tri-annually and minutes from all meetings form part of Ockham’s Razor’s reporting to Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. The Advisory Board will change 50% of its members every 4 years to ensure diversity, inclusivity, anti-nepotism, fresh thinking and forward progression. 

We are looking for applicants who can:

• Provide guidance and advice in your field of expertise

• Be a resource for our board and team

• Challenge our board and team with the aim of improving our company

• Support the exploration of new ideas to support the company’s growth

• Attend up to three Advisory Board meetings each year to be held in-person in London when possible

• Attend and support Ockham’s Razor at our shows, workshops or networking events

We are accepting applications from people in all fields, but in particular we are seeking Advisory Board members with expertise in:

• Fundraising
• Equality and access
• Branding and marketing
• Business planning
• Finance in the arts sector

This is the first time we have recruited Advisory Board members through an open call, and in doing so we hope to reach beyond our existing networks. We particularly welcome applications from people who are:

• From an ethnic minority background
• D/deaf or disabled, or have a long-term health condition
• Neurodivergent
• LGBTQIA+
• Experiencing barriers to work (e.g from a lower socioeconomic background)
• Working Freelance in the arts

We are building an Advisory Board whose members have a range of skills and are from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We believe knowledge and expertise is transferable and produced in many different ways, so if you think you could contribute we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please send the following to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

1. A letter of application (up to one side of A4) OR a video (up to three minutes long) OR a voice note (up to three minutes long) that tells us:

• Who you are, including where you are based
• Why you would like to join our Advisory Board
• What you think you will be able to contribute

2. Your contact details including your phone number.

Please also complete our equal opportunities monitoring form –  you’ll find it HERE

If you have any questions, or would like a quick chat before applying, please drop Alex Harvey (Artistic Director) an email on  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Ockham’s Razor

We are a circus theatre company who make work that is arresting, moving and entertaining. We specialise in creating physical theatre on original pieces of circus equipment and create stories from the vulnerability, trust and reliance that exist between people in circus.

The Company was formed in 2004. We met while studying at Circomedia, centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre in Bristol. In spring 2006, Turtle Key Arts became our producers.

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