Imagine arriving at your new job and discovering not only is your boss devilishly handsome but there is something mysterious about one of the rooms on the top floor.

This is the scenario for Jane Eyre, one of the most well-known and best-loved classic novels.

Charlotte Bronte's story was published in 1847 but continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers with its mixture of gothic romance and suspense.

When Jane arrives at Thornfield Hall she quickly becomes infatuated with Mr Rochester, the mysterious master of the house. She also learns that a secret from the past is hidden in the attic.

The play stars Peter Amory as Edward Rochester, Jane's boss and a man with a secret. Peter is best known as Emmerdale's Chris Tate, a role he played for nearly 14 years.

"I've been very lucky to perform on both stage and TV," says Peter. "When I was at Rada I said," he adopts a thespian voice, "I'm not doing TV!

"But then you're offered something and say, 'How much?' Now, it's great to be back on stage and playing a character I never thought I'd be old enough to play.

"Acting on stage is different to when on TV. On film you try to act small and naturally, on stage you have to perform bigger. And when you act for TV you only have to concentrate for three minutes whereas on stage you're working your arse off for two hours."

The number of successful stage adaptations of classic novels can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. You only need to think of Cliff Richard's Heathcliffe and, more recently, John Leslie as the lecherous cad Wickham in Pride And Prejudice to know that a literary classic does not necessarily a good play make.

But Peter is confident about Jane Eyre.

"It's the best adaptation of a classic novel I've ever read. Even the blokes will have a cry."

Starts 7.45pm. Tickets cost £11/£18, call 01323 412000