TAKING a classic novel from Charles Dickens and adapting it for a stage audience is something which would prove a daunting task for most people.

But for Deborah McAndrew, who was given the task of adapting Hard Times for Northern Broadsides, it has proved to be an enjoyable challenge.

Audiences will get the chance to see what she has done with the novel set in the fictitious northern town of Coketown when the production comes to the Lowry, Salford Quays next month.

"I think this is the first novel adaptation that Northern Broadsides have done," she said. "It's the fourth Dickens for me so I've had some practice."

Although Hard Times is the shortest of all Dickens' novels, it still has issues being given a new lease of life on stage.

"The thing with Hard Times is it's a difficult title," said Deborah. "It sounds like it's going to be grim up north for two hours.

"In the novel, Dickens is taking on some pretty hefty issues. However does have a real lightness of touch; there's a circus at the beginning and the end and you have these great larger than life Dickensian characters which are very watchable and very funny."

Deborah, who TV viewers may remember for playing designer Angie Freeman in Coronation Street, has actually appeared in a stage version of Hard Times.

"It was over 20 years ago and there were only four of us in the cast so I had to play a number of characters," she said.

"But I do remember it very well, I have one of those minds which tends to remember everything in detail.

"That's been both a help and a hindrance but to be honest, this is a very different production. I've got more actors for a start."

Adapting a work for the stage is not as simple as producing a script for the actors.

"A novel adaptation is always bit of a curate's egg in some ways," she said, "in that it's one form that's being squeezed into another form.

"You either have to solve the problems on the page or if can't do that, you can't scupper the designer and the director.

"It's a collaborative art form. The script is the blueprint, it's the beginning but then they bring it alive in various ways depending on the cast and what the designer comes up with.

"For me it's about making sure that what the audience get is a balanced diet and, of course, it's about making it theatrical."

Those familiar with Northern Broadside's work will see many of the company's signature touches in the production including the clever use of music.

"Narrative music is always important to us," said Deborah, "it can add so much to a show."

Deborah, an award-winning playwright, believes that Hard Times will appeal to a wide audience.

"It's been a very different creative challenge because it wasn't written for the stage initially," she said.

Hard Times, the Dukes, Lancaster, Tuesday, February 27 to Saturday, March 3, details from 01524 598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org and the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 10. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com