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Tess at HOME

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Tess

HOME Manchester, Manchester
5-7 June 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

From £21.20
TESS at HOME: A woman holds four planks over her head, watched on by three women.
Image courtesy of Kie Cummings.
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Following a hugely successful tour in 2024, Tess by Ockham’s Razor returns to Manchester this June – landing at HOME for just three performances. Fusing breathtaking aerial choreography with physical theatre and storytelling, this daring adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles transforms the tragic 19th-century novel into a visceral, visually stunning spectacle.

Tess at HOME: Four people dance in a circle, whilst a fifth person holds a woman in the air.
Image courtesy of Kie Cummings.

Ockham’s Razor are no strangers to innovation. The acclaimed circus-theatre company has built a reputation for telling stories through captivating choreography and visually-arresting circus – often exploring themes of connection, resilience, and the human experience. In Tess, their signature style continues – ropes, wooden planks and suspended rigging provide the setting for Hardy’s English countryside, while the performers twist, pivot and glide through the air, conjuring a narrative of joy, tension and heartbreak.

TESS at HOME
Image courtesy of Kie Cummings.

What sets this version apart is Ockham’s Razor’s bold departure from traditional stagings of Hardy’s novel. In this production, the character of Tess is portrayed by two performers – one who narrates and speaks, and one who dances. This dual representation gives the character a unique emotional depth, with voice and body working in tandem to express what Hardy often left unsaid. The result is a haunting, layered interpretation that deepens the emotional impact and shines a light on Tess’s unspoken resilience and struggle.

Ockham’s Razor have long stood at the intersection of circus and theatre, drawing comparisons to companies like DV8 and Complicité for their hybrid approach and political undercurrent. In Tess, their craft feels more urgent than ever – offering a feminist translation of a classic text through poetic and fearless movement.

Whether you’re a Hardy purist, a circus aficionado, or just curious about the possibilities of performance, Tess promises a provocative and visually unforgettable night at the theatre.

What's on at HOME Manchester

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Director Whit Stillman presents a 35mm screenings of one of the best films of the nineties, as a group of twenty-somethings navigate The Last Days of Disco.

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Where to go near Tess at HOME

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