Rebecca at The Lowry Manchester Review
Rebecca
The Lowry, Manchester
7-11 April 2015
Reviewed by Catherine Joyce
The Lowry is a lovely theatre and conveniently located just off the M602 motorway so it is really easy to get to by car. There is plenty of parking in the large multi storey car park next to the theatre and if you eat in one of the restaurants at The Lowry Centre you can park for free, otherwise it costs around £5.50. The theatre is lovely and clean and all the staff are very helpful and friendly. We were there to see Rebecca that was in the larger Lyric theatre where all the seats have a good view of the stage and there is ample leg room.
The play is based on the novel by English author Daphne du Maurier and is set in Cornwall in the 1930’s. Kneehigh Theatre have created an amazing set which with only minor alterations changes between the house at Manderley, the cottage and down by the shore. The cast also sets the scene singing sea shanties and playing traditional Cornish folk music throughout the play which I though was very effective.
In a dramatic opening scene, the late Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, drowns and her boat sinks to the bottom of the harbour. The boat remains on stage as a constant reminder of her lingering presence at Manderley.
The story then unfolds with Maxim de Winter’s return to his estate with his young, new wife played by Imogen Sage. Surrounded by constant memories of the glamorous Rebecca, the new Mrs De Winter is consumed by jealousy. She struggles to fit into the position of Lady of the Manor, not helped by the sinister Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper played by Emily Raymond.
Tristan Sturrock, plays a reserved husband, throwing himself into running the estate and ignoring his new bride, only revealing his true feelings at the climax of the play. Imogen’s character also changes through the story, initially a shy, timid young woman unsure of herself in her new role, she is bullied by her housekeeper until she doubts her husband’s love. Finally discovering the truth behind Rebecca’s death she finds a new strength and supports Maxim when Rebecca’s body is discovered and the truth is in danger of being revealed.
You might be think that this tale of murder, jealousy and mystery would be a serious affair, but plenty of comedy is injected throughout the play both by Bea and Giles (played by Lizzie Winkler and Andy Williams) but especially by Robert, the butler’s boy, played brilliantly by Katy Owen.
I really enjoyed Emma Rice’s re-telling of this classic tale and watching it has inspired me to now read the book.
It is an excellent play and well worth watching if you get chance.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.50 to £29.50 (includes £2 booking fee).
Rebecca is at The Lowry in Manchester until 11 April 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
