MAX Stafford-Clark will direct Andersen’s English, a new play by Sebastian Barry to be staged at the Library Theatre in Manchester.

Set in the home of Charles Dickens, celebrated children’s writer Hans Christian Andersen arrives at Dickens’ home for an extended stay.

To the lonely and eccentric guest, the members of Dickens’ household seem to live a life of unreachable bliss.

But Andersen’s broken English prevents him recognising the storms brewing within the family.

Presented by leading new writing company Out Of Joint, and the Hampstead Theatre, Andersen’s English is a haunting new play, rich in characters and touched with a wistful humour.

Dickens’ private and family life have been the subject of much speculation, in particular his strange and gradual alienation of his wife, Catherine.

Dickens was a much-loved public figure, but he was also an intensely private man. Andersen’s English explores his home-life, the people close to him, and what happens when a stranger enters behind closed doors.

The cast includes Niamh Cusack as Catherine, Dickens’ wife; David Rintoul as Dickens, and Danny Sapani as Hans Christian Andersen.

Sebastian Barry’s novel The Secret Scripture won the 2008 Costa prize, and he has been twice short-listed for the Booker prize.

His plays include the international hit The Steward of Christendom, Our Lady of Sligo and Hinterland.

* Andersen’s English will run at the Library Theatre in Manchester from March 2 to 6.