HATS off for Hedda

HORNDEAN Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS), renowned for its light-hearted choice of plays, has decided to take on the challenge of performing its first serious play by Henrik Ibsen - the dark drama Hedda Gabler.

HATS member Carolyn Carr says: "We felt the time had come to try something more heavyweight."

The play is in addition to the group's regular programme and marks a first in their performance calendar in September.

Making her debut in a starring role is Clara Van Gerven. Clara, originally from Belgium, has been with HATS for just a year and Hedda is her first lead with the group. Ibsen's tragic story follows newlyweds George and Hedda Tesman (nee Gabler).

Hedda learns that her old flame and Tesman's academic rival, Eilert Lovborg, is back in town and has written a new book. Lovborg, a brilliant scholar, had been an alcoholic and a failure, but now he has reformed.

Hedda also learns that Eilert Lovborg may be poised to take the position at the university that her husband is counting on getting himself.

Lovborg begins drinking again and drops his fabulous new manuscript while walking home drunk.

It falls into Hedda's hands. When he confesses to Hedda that he has lost it and wants to kill himself, she does not tell him she has the manuscript; she simply gives him one of her pistols and tells him to have a beautiful death.

n Performances: Thursday to Saturday, 25 September, 7.30pm at Merchistoun Hall, Portsmouth Road, Horndean.

Tickets: £5 and £4 (available on the door)

Box office: 023 9259 71140.