A bare stone-grey set, with raked beach, and a large screen projection of rolling waves represents both the Riviera and Cornwall.

Props are just a few chairs, a picnic rug and some cushions - but it worked for me and I loved the immaculate attention to detail in the costumes and lighting.

A steep staircase behind gauze is the only really theatrical staging device used.

Nigel Haver’s role as Maxim de Winter is very tricky. He is a murderer and yet he must make us like him and accept his crime.

He is often distant from his new wife but we must believe in their love for each other and understand why this meek and mild mouse later roars in defence of her husband when he reveals his dark secret.

Elisabeth Dermot-Walsh as the second Mrs De Winter has to evolve from the gauche and naive girl romanced by Maxim, into the confident mistress of Manderley, fighting off the ghost of Rebecca and the intimidation of the scary housekeeper, Mrs Danvers.

Maureen Beattie is perfect as the stern housekeeper still obsessed with the first Mrs de Winter.

Stiff and rigid, Danvers is relentlessly cruel towards her new mistress, constantly undermining her and ultimately trying to make her kill herself.

Strong Supporting Cast

I was very impressed by the strong supporting cast, but at times felt they dominated rather than supported. Perhaps because, unlike Maxim and his new bride, they don’t have multi-faceted characters to portray.

This is a well paced and absorbing play about people and their uncontrollable emotions.

There are surprising moments of humour - mostly from the splendid Amanda Waldy as Beatrice; loathing toward the unctuous and caddish Jack Favell; and a sympathetic warmth for the idiotic Ben and the simplistic maid Clarice.

But it is the fiery ending that’s still in my mind...but I won't let on, just in case you don't know how the story ends.



Rebecca
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Mon 7th - Sat 12th February 2005
Times: 7.30pm, and 2.30pm on Thurs & Sat
Tickets: £5 - £22
Box Office: 01752 267222