HUSBAND and wife team Alexander Delamere and Bella Merlin are enjoying working together in Anna Karenina at Bolton's Octagon Theatre.

But Alexander, who plays Stiva in the production, admits it's not the easiest thing in the world taking direction from Bella, who is assisting the Octagon's director Mark Babych for the production.

"Invariably she's insightful and right," Alexander says. "I shall get my own back on our new adaptation of an Anton Chekhov short story called Don Juan in Love at the MAC in Birmingham in January, when I will be directing. Revenge is sweet."

The critically acclaimed production of Anna Karenina runs at the Octagon until November 4.