The New Hardy Players present
Stronghold of Happiness
A dramatized reading of a Play within a Play
A NEW VERSION OF THE PLAY, TELLS THE STORY OF A WARTIME COUPLE AND A SECRET, DEVASTATING EXPERIENCE ON THE HOME FRONT IN DORSET DURING WWII.
A new adaptation of Devina Symes’ novel, which she has adapted into a play, is set in wartime Dorset, and is set to be staged at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester on September 30.
It tells the enduring love story of local couple, Peter and Ella Samways, who each experience life-changing conflict – Ella on the home front and Peter on the battlefront, as well as facing the consequences of Ella’s trauma. Reunited, their story deals with the aftermath of crisis as they make sense of their changed lives.
The play and the novel (published by Tim Saunders Publications) tackle strong themes of abuse that make them unsuitable for a younger audience. It begins in 2005 when the older Peter and Ella are invited to watch a rehearsal of their story, which the local drama group had chosen to perform.
“I wanted to tell a story that turned the tables on the usual narrative about war and look at the unspeakable traumas and conflicts sometimes experienced by vulnerable women left at home,” says Devina Symes.
Harry Cockerill and Tilda Sansom will play the young couple. Barry and Chrissie White will play the contemporary couple.
Devina's novel will be available on the night and is also available in bookshops and online.
The performance is being sponsored by Purple Business and Personal Accountants, Poundbury, Dorchester.
Performance at 7.30pm on September 30 at the Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester DT1 1HF. Tickets £10 from WeGotTickets.com. Or on the door, subject to availability.
1940s dress optional!
All proceeds from the performance will go to West Dorset Women’s Refuge Welfare Committee.
For more information, contact Devina Symes on 01305 265143 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
