A TALE of rural passion comes to Winchester next month with some authentic rural acting credits.

Thomas Hardy's classic Far From The Madding Crowd is staged at the Theatre Royal from July 8 to 12 and stars Stephen McGann, Frazer Hines and Kevin Pallister - all well known for their starring roles in ITV soap Emmerdale.

The new adaptation by Middle Ground Theatre Company tells of the life and loves of the spirited Bathsheba Everdene.

The production includes live music and a detailed period set.

H Tickets cost from £10. Box office: 01962 840440.