BWW Reviews: REBECCA, Birmingham Rep Theatre, April 27 2015
Daphne du Maurier's most famous novel Rebecca - written in 1938 - is spectacularly brought back to life by Kneehigh Theatre Company's current UK tour. "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again" is the iconic line starting and ending the performance and from the moment it is first uttered, the audience are hooked. Du Maurier is a master storyteller and with all the twists and turns, it is a hugely engaging piece of theatre. It has been ten years since I last saw the play but it still feels as fresh and timeless as ever.
Scenically, the West Country estate of Manderley is portrayed as distressed and sea-battered - a clear representation of the past and present occurrences at the mansion by designer Leslie Travers. The striking imagery of a rowing boat and drowning body being lowered onto the stage at the beginning to then form part of the set is inspired as the memory never escapes your mind. The ensemble cast construct and destruct elements of the set depending on location; all choreographed perfectly. Emma Rice - director of this piece and Artistic Director of Kneehigh - is an artist herself; nothing can be faulted about her direction. The fantastic Tim Lutkin then emphasises this greatness by making it look magnificent with lighting. Music is entwined throughout the story, some incidental and others more staged. Ian Ross as Musical Director draws on Cornish influences making it perfectly fitting.
The cast are exceptional and all provide equal amounts in making the show such a success. Many are also actor/musicians, further enhancing their demonstration of skill. The play, all in all, is about jealousy, love and betrayal. Because of this, it's very dark but humour is extracted where necessary to create the right balance. Tristan Sturrock plays Maxim de Winter, a character whom you never truly understand until the revelations are laid out. The new Mrs de Winter is portrayed by Imogen Sage; she probably has the most difficult job from being this innocent, naïve twenty-something women who is forced to grow up before your eyes. The jealousy of Rebecca exudes from her, creating a darker character for herself. Excellent support is provided from Lizzie Winkler and Andy Williams as Beatrice and Giles whilst Katy Owen stars as Robert and Ben giving us plenty of light relief and hilarity. Owen bounces around the set like the Duracell bunny but is always completely in tune with her actions - a superb turn.
Rebecca is an incredible production enriched by Kneehigh flair and must be seen to be believed. The play remains at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 2nd May and tours until September 2015.
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