Joseph O'Connor's theatrical adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's gothic tale will hit the stage on 12th April at Dublin's prestigious Gate Theatre and should run for eight weeks.

MY COUSIN RACHEL, a story of secrets, deceptions and petty jealousies, enthralled readers on its publication in 1951 and went on to become an international bestseller. It has previously been filmed, with Richard Burton starring in one of his earliest performances. Joe's new theatrical version promises to hold audiences in an unforgettable atmosphere of foreboding, suspicion and mistrust.

The production will be directed by Toby Frow, whose previous work for the stage includes versions of Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus and Edward II for the Manchester Royal Exchange and Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing for Salisbury Playhouse.

Joe is also currently scripting a film drama about Bram Stoker and his relationship with the actor Sir Henry Irving - one of the main prototypes for the character of Dracula - for the BBC.