Booking is now open for what promises to be one of the most exciting theatre ventures launched in Durban in many years -the premiere production of Far from the Madding Crowd - The Musical. Based on the great classic English novel of the same title by Thomas Hardy, this major new staging by creative duo John and Raymond Ellis opens at the Playhouse on August 31.

With book, lyrics and stage direction by John Ellis and music by Raymond Ellis, this compelling stage adaptation is conceived in the full tradition of celebrated big-stage musicals such as Les Misèrables, Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon.

The show's vibrant original music and vivid characters bring fully to life the epic tale of the beautiful Bathsheba Everdene, as she learns the lessons of life through the impact she has on three very different men - the trusty Gabriel Oak, the vulnerable, older Edward Boldwood, and the fickle, cold hearted Frank Troy. The story's 19th century rural English background is one with a universal significance that is fully relevant of our present-day world.

Stage luminaries Karen van Pletsen, Duncan Royce, Aubrey Po and David Dennis head a hand-picked cast of twenty of South Africa's most gifted young solo performers, backed by a full stage choir. A major coup for the production is the casting of leading South African dancer, the multi-award-winning Boyzie Cekwana, who dances the central and symbolic role of the Madding Crowd.

Far from the Madding Crowd runs in the Playhouse Opera from August 31. Book at Computicket on 083 915-8000, or call Playhouse Dial A Seat on 031 369-9444. For schools bookings call Calli Denton on 083 661-7871 or 031 209-6634. For block bookings of 20 or more or to buy a special charity fund-raising performance, call Margie Coppen on 083 251-9412.