A PASSIONATE and dramatic retelling of the Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece Jane Eyre will open at the Octagon Theatre in the new year.

The new adaptation of the Brontë classic by Janys Chambers and Lorna French, stars familiar faces and a young company

Returning to the Octagon Theatre in the iconic role of Jane Eyre is Jessica Baglow after her triumphant role of Rita in Educating Rita.

Playing her employer and lover interest Mr Rochester is Michael Peavoy, returning to the Octagon after his role as Gilbert Markham in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

Claire Hackett, from Line of Duty 2, ITV and Coronation Street, ITV, will make her debut at the Octagon as Mrs Reed and Mrs Fairfax.

Moving from Dickens to Brontë, Marc Small will be staying at the Octagon to play Rivers and Mason. Kiruna Stamell of who has appeared in Father Brown, BBC; Holby City, BBC; Everyman, National Theatre 2015; The Government Inspector, Birmingham Rep 2016 will be playing Bessie Lee and Maria Temple.

Anne Tierney returns to play Blanche Ingram and Mary Rivers. John Branwell who performed in To Kill a Mockingbird, Ashes at the Octagon Theatre Bolton returns to play various roles, including Brocklehurst and Frederick Lynn. Leah Walker will be playing Bertha Mason.

The play follows the story of Jane Eyre, who emerges from a bleak childhood and uses her bold spirit, sharp wit and great courage to make her way in life.

After becoming a governess at Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with her mysterious employer Mr Rochester — however, he is hiding a terrible secret that threatens to ruin everything.

A young cast will be taking on the role of ‘Young Jane’ and other important young characters.

Artistic Director and director of Jane Eyre, Elizabeth Newman said: "Jane Eyre has always been one of my all-time favourite stories. It is beautiful. It explores independence in a world where people are often denied autonomy, even an opinion. It examines determination against all odds. It provides hope even in the most desolate situations. We can all learn a lot from Jane and from Mr Rochester, lessons in faith and love, courage and resolve, friendship and freedom.

"We are delighted to have Janys and Lorna creating a magnificent new adaptation of such an iconic, vibrant and intelligent story. We are all very excited to see this production come to life and are eager to share it with audiences both new and returning."

Jane Eyre plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Thursday, January 18 to Saturday, February 10.