The Tenant of Wildfell Hall at Octagon Theatre

Andrew Anderson

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The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Octagon Theatre, Bolton
30 March-22 April 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

© Octagon Theatre
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It must have been pretty difficult being Anne Brontë. Firstly, her life was chock full of tragedy, with numerous siblings dying in an untimely fashion and she herself succumbing to illness at an early age. Secondly, although she was a wonderful writer, Anne’s books never got quite the same attention and acclaim as those of her older sisters Charlotte and Emily.

But while Anne’s writing might not match the strange mystique of Emily’s or the gothic power of Charlotte’s, in my (humble) opinion her books are the most progressive, and have the most to teach us today – especially her second novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which will soon hit the Octagon stage. It’s a brand new adaptation from Deborah McAndrew and will be directed by Elizabeth Newman. For those regular Creative Tourist readers you’ll know I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth’s work, and I can’t think of a better director to take on this important proto-feminist tale.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall follows the story of Helen, a woman who refuses to bow before the supposed superiority of men – something which was, in 1848, a fairly shocking theme. Instead, Helen seeks our her own independent life and eventually finds her own form of happiness.

I really love Anne Bronte’s writing, which is always full of hope and forgiveness in the face of hard times. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – her second and final novel – is a masterpiece, and one that I’m sure will make a great theatre show.

Where to go near The Tenant of Wildfell Hall at Octagon Theatre

Bolton Library Theatre
Bolton
Library
Bolton Library Theatre

Bolton Library Theatre is situated inside Bolton Museum, a public museum and art gallery, which is owned by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council.

Bolton
Event venue
Albert Halls Bolton

A colonnaded neoclassical Victorian town hall, now hosting comedy, dance, music and pantomime shows, right in the heart of Bolton.

Bolton
Theatre
The Victoria Hall

The Victoria Hall in Bolton is a beautiful entertainment venue which showcases theatre amongst much other live-entertainment.

Atherton
Restaurant
The Snug

The Snug is a grassroots live music venue in Atherton, serving fresh coffee, craft ale and a smart range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Manchester
Restaurant
Listo Burrito

Listo Burrito on Manchester’s Oxford Street tempts busy diners with fresh ingredients and a modestly priced menu.

Hop and Hazlewood
Tyldesley
Bar or Pub
Hop and Hazlewood

Hop and Hazlewood is a craft beer and gin joint in the heart of Tyldesley, a short trip out of Manchester.

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