Written in 1850 by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter is regarded by some critics as the greatest American novel ever.

Set in 17th Century Boston, the plot follows a woman called Hester Prynne who is forced to wear the letter A as punishment for her adultery and continuing refusal to name the father of her illegitimate child, Pearl.

However, it is Hawthorne's complex exploration of Puritan morality versus individual choice, together with his strong use of symbolism, that have won the novel its numerous fans.

Not surprisingly, the book has attracted several adaptations for stage and film. This latest one is directed by Phyllis Nagy, whose own plays include Butterfly Kiss, The Strip, Never Land and the award-winning Disappeared.

She has just directed her first feature film and was also responsible for the highly successful adaptation of The Seagull at Chichester in 2003.

Although it has already become a major success in the US, this production has never before been performed on British shores.

Prepare for an erotically-charged re-interpretation of this classic work.

Various times, tickets £21/£16. Call 01243 781312.