The Year Clock
The Year Clock
tells the story of the life and works of the Dorset poet
William Barnes. The play celebrates a remarkable
multi-talented Victorian, an inspirational teacher and a
pioneer of linguistics whose legacy today lies in his poems
recalling the folk life of the Blackmore Vale, written in
the rich dialect of Dorset. The four periods of the poet’s
life are compared to the four seasons of the year as
described by Barnes in his poem The Year Clock.
I play the part of William Barnes. Live music is provided
by Colin Thompson, playing Dorset folk tunes from the
Thomas Hardy manuscript book. We perform in period costume
on a set designed by Michael Taylor.
I first heard the poetry of William Barnes performed
by a gamekeeper
and a farmer in the local village hall and this kindled my
interest in the life and poetry of William Barnes and has
been a source of inspiration ever since.
The
Year Clock is directed by RSC actress Sonia Ritter and is
suitable for performance in studio theatres, arts centres,
churches and community venues.
Some previous Year Clock Venues
Southwark
Playhouse
The Troubadour, Earl’s Court
The
Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth
Dorset County
Museum
The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster
The
Thomas Hardy Conference, Dorchester
The
Wharf theatre, Ilminster
Codford Theatre
Strode
Theatre
Swanage
Folk Festival
Sherborne
Arts Festival
Mere
Literary Festival
Shaftesbury
Arts Centre
Sturminster
Newton Hall
St
Bartholemew’s Church, Sutton Waldron
St
George’s Church, Langham, Gillingham
Gillingham
Music Festival
St
Peter’s Church, Marlborough
Godolphin
School, Salisbury
Sturminster
Newton High School
Bridport
Arts Centre
Eype
Church Centre for the Arts
Marine
Theatre Lyme Regis
The Arc
Theatre, Trowbridge
Beaminster
Festival