WITH the multi-Olivier nominated Brief Encounter, Cornish company Kneehigh Theatre reimagined David Lean’s film for the 21st century stage, mixing film projections and train effects to recreate the heart-breaking love story.

Now artistic director Emma Rice has taken on one of the best-loved works by Cornwall’s literary queen and taken it back to its roots – incorporating sea shanties and a chorus of fisherman to tell the story.

“Kneehigh’s rehearsal barns are in a similar setting to the book,” says Worthing-based Ewan Wardrop, who co-choreographed the production with Rice and stars as Rebecca’s dissolute cousin – and one-time lover – Jack Favell.

“They are right on the edge of a cliff with a path down to the sea. Along the way is a big house not dissimilar to Manderley – it’s a perfect spot!”

Narrated by the unnamed new bride of wealthy businessman Maxim de Winter, Rebecca is a dark tale packed with twists and turns.

It recounts the months the new Mrs de Winter spends living in the shadow of her predecessor, the titular Rebecca, who died in a boating accident the year before. As she struggles to settle into her new role she makes an enemy of housekeeper Mrs Danvers – one of Du Maurier’s most memorable gothic characters.

The 1938 novel was turned into an iconic movie two years later by legendary British director Alfred Hitchcock, with Laurence Olivier playing Maxim, and Joan Fontaine as his unfortunate new bride.

“In the film Maxim is a quiet presence – he seems almost like a hero, which may be down to Olivier,” says Wardrop.

“Emily Raymond, who plays Mrs Danvers, has made her less of a cartoon. She is someone who is obsessed, and possibly in love with Rebecca – and she can’t help but show her animosity to the new Mrs de Winter.”

Favell is a playboy – who gets a big entrance in the play.

“I get to dance down a big staircase,” says Wardrop, who previously performed with director Matthew Bourne and Rupert Goold’s Headlong Theatre in Chichester Festival Theatre’s production Enron.

“In the book he climbs in through a window. He’s a chancer and a bit flash – he fancies himself a bit like Fred Astaire.”

The choreography is one of the new approaches Rice and Kneehigh have taken to the story – much of which was developed in a series of workshops last June.

“Emma really wanted sea shanties to be part of the story, the rest developed from there,” says Wardrop.

“One exercise was to create Rebecca’s seaside cottage in ten minutes from props and bits and bobs to house a scene.”

The set itself, designed by Leslie Travers, features both de Winter’s house Manderley, and a section of the Cornish cove which is central to the story.

“It’s a huge great set,” says Wardrop. “It takes a lot of work to get it up and down and get it in the different theatres.

“Emma wants everyone to work as a single unit all the time. Everyone was present at rehearsals every day, helping out with each other’s scenes and improvising together.”

Narrator Imogen Sage’s Mrs de Winter is the only constant character, with the rest of the company providing the ensemble of singing fishermen as well as playing different characters in the story.

“Emma is great in doing things her own Kneehigh way,” says Wardrop. “I have worked with a few theatre companies who were inspired by Kneehigh in terms of using music and poetry elements. I have wanted to work with Kneehigh for years.”

Starts 7.45pm, 2.30pm matinees, tickets from £15.50. Call 01323 412000.

Duncan Hall