THE Bronte sisters are a viewed by many as the royal family of the writing world.

But the next production at the Octagon Theatre will be bring to life the works of the youngest of the literary lineage, Anne Bronte.

Award-winning playwright Deborah McAndrew is hoping her new adaption of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall will spread the love for the lesser-known Bronte.

She said: “I don’t think 'Tenant' is quite as well known as say Emily’s Wuthering Heights or Charlotte’s Jane Eyre, so there’s an opportunity to bring this story to an audience unfamiliar with it.

“Hopefully people will go away to read the book after seeing the play. There’s so much more in the book.”

Deborah was approached by the Octagon’s artistic director Elizabeth Newman to bring a classic to the stage.

She has adapted numerous stories, as well as writing original plays, and her 2014 play An August Bank Holiday Lark won best Best New Play at the UK Theatre Awards.

Born in Huddersfield, she admits to have an affinity with the Brontes, with the woman appearing on her grandfather’s wall alongside family pictures.

Many scholars, biographers and feminist literary critics have praised Anne for her forward-thinking, creative talent, and ability to genuinely write about issues that affected the everyday lives of women.

Her 1848 novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is an ardent story of a woman’s fight against oppression, which challenged the social norms and laws of the time.

It follows a mysterious young widow, Helen Graham, and her son as they arrive at the desolate estate of Wildfell Hall.

Intrigued by this beautiful and enigmatic woman, a young farmer, Markham, gradually falls in love.

Torn apart by her attraction to the farmer and the secrets of her past, Helen finally reveals the shocking history she thought she had left behind.

Told in first person, then through Helen’s diary, Deborah has had the challenge of adapting the intense story for the stage.

She explains: "There is still a flashback but the first person becomes more of an equal perspective between Markham and Helen.

"Fundamentally it is a love story, that's what makes us care. It is a really satisfying piece of work to work with.

"It has got everything you want from a Bronte story, from brooding handsome men to intelligent serious women.

"i can't wait to see it on the stage."