REBECCA

Malvern Festival Theatre

(David Pugh Limited and Theatre Royal Plymouth Productions)

Theatre Royal Plymouth's production of Daphne Du Maurier's haunting novel, Rebecca, is a triumph of artistry. It spectacularly fuses innovative design, authentic sea shanties, enchanting puppetry, exquisite costume, heartwarming comedy and sorrowful tragedy, with a cheeky Charleston or two. Writer and director, Emma Rice, has reinvented this classic story of love that struggles to bloom in the shadow of jealousy and secrets, until the ghosts of the past raise their ugly heads.

The introduction of a strong comedic element in the story is unexpected but very enjoyable and this, in a large part, is due to the inspired casting of Katy Owen who is absolutely adorable as the young servant, Robert and proves her mettle as a dramatic artist in her other role as the waif, Ben. This is a real ensemble piece with every single actor pulling their weight across all the disciplines as, not only, actor musicians but dancers, puppeteers and stage crew, none more so than the incredibly versatile, Ewan Wardrop who is credited as Jack Favell. Tristan Sturrock is a solid Maxim de Winter to his fragile new wife, brilliantly played by Imogen Sage, who achieves her true potential through the trials and tribulations affronted her. Lizzie Winkler gives an incredibly energised performance as Max's hedonistic sister, Beatrice, coupled perfectly with the imposing Andy Williams as her husband Giles, while Richard Clews is the glue that holds everything together as the butler, Frith. This rewrite, despite being refreshing in so many ways, has one major issue and that is the watering down of the iconic baddie, Mrs Danvers, played by Emily Raymond who never really gets the opportunity to revel in the role. The creepy housekeeper appears to have been overlooked, which is disappointing. Also, the second act is a very different play to the first act and, although this works on some levels due to the content, it feels disjointed.

Where this production wins is the director's vision being realised by designer, Leslie Travers. He creates one of the most ingenious, adaptable and atmospheric sets I have ever had the pleasure to see. The inclusion of puppets for Max's adorable chocolate Labrador and a variety of birds is also inspired and Tim Lutkin's lighting and Simon Baker's music complete the artistic mastery.

This is a visual and auditory spectacular and a fascinating new take on an old classic. Rebecca runs at Malvern until Saturday.

4 stars