A NEW version of a play that ‘every woman should see once in their lifetime’ is coming to Didcot.

The groundbreaking feminist classic A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen, once shocked audiences across 19th-century Europe.

And now the latest English adaptation of the 1879 work about marriage, money and the freedom of women in the late 19th century will arrive at the Cornerstone arts centre on its world premiere tour with UK Touring Theatre on Saturday, October 4.

Set in 19th-century Norway, A Doll’s House explores the relationship of Torvald and Nora Helmer, whose ‘perfect’ marriage is not what it seems.

Now widely regarded as Ibsen’s masterpiece, the play shocked and divided critics across Europe with its depiction of a woman struggling to survive in a man’s world and Nora’s rejection of the ‘ideal’ family life.

And the opinions of audiences were left so divided that invitations to social gatherings at the time would often include the note: “You are requested not to mention Ibsen’s Doll’s House!”. Director Michael Woodwood said: “A Doll’s House is a very powerful piece. Every woman can relate to Nora and the social roles that she plays, as daughter, wife and mother.

“Every woman should see this play once in their lifetime.”

Woodward added: “The play’s cry for women to be recognised as equal partners in a marriage is as relevant as it has ever been, and the subject of what a marriage constitutes whether it be from a sexual, financial, religious or political point of view, still remains contentious in our society.

“I’m sure many women will empathise with Nora (the main character) and the notion that this is still a man’s world and that the law and everything that affects Nora is very much directed from a male standpoint.”

Felicity Rhys, who plays mother-of-three Nora, sees it as ‘both a challenge and an honour’ to be following in the footsteps of actresses such as Juliet Stevenson, Janet McTeer and Gillan Anderson.

“Playing the role of Nora is a fantastic experience, and a great challenge for an actress,” she said. “As with any role, you have to put something of yourself into your performance and it is this which makes each actor’s portrayal of the character so different.

“I hope that the audience will be able to engage with ‘my’ Nora on every level and to empathise with her predicament and the emotional journey she goes through.”

Playing opposite Rhys as her bank manager husband Torvald is Adam Redmayne.

The actor said: “A Doll’s House is often viewed as a feminist piece, however there is still much for the male audience members to relate to. If anything, it is a play about personal freedom in the 19th century, not just women’s freedom.

“The character of Torvald, who I play, is as much a victim of the patriarchal society he represents as Nora is, and of course his world also falls apart during the course of the play. It really is a fantastic piece which anyone who is in a relationship can relate to.”

The show’s cast also includes Laura-Kate Gordon and Christopher Llewellyn.

The tour follows the success of the company’s production of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie which also played to an audience at Cornerstone.

Tickets for A Doll’s House can be purchased from the Cornerstone box office on 01235 515144 or online at www.cornerstone-arts.org