Kneehigh Theatre’s production of Rebecca is less subtle than Daphne Du Maurier’s original novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s spellbinding film adaptation, but it is nonetheless gripping and entertaining in equal measure.

Those familiar with the classic tale will know it follows widower Maxim De Winter, who returns to his enormous estate Manderley with his new bride less than a year after the death of his first wife, Rebecca.

As the naive bride tries desperately to fit in, scarcely hiding her fear of the terrifying housekeeper Mrs Danvers, secrets of Manderley’s sinister past are peeled back layer by layer.

Emily Raymond cuts an imposing figure as Mrs Danvers; still and powerful, she is the personification of Manderley itself and almost seems part of the impressively-designed set at times.

The wickedly jealous housekeeper fills the stage with her silent and menacing presence, to the terror of Mrs De Winter, played by Imogen Sage, who delivers a note-perfect performance as the pretty but plain and timid bride.

The production makes excellent use of its set, which has the wreck of Rebecca’s sunken boat in the centre, her body inside, a constant reminder of the estate’s hidden secrets.

Director Emma Rice’s adaptation makes excellent use of live music throughout the performance, with haunting violin melodies and melancholy sea shanties sung by fishermen in dark raincoats.

One interesting addition to this update is the comic relief provided by the manic young servant Robert, played by Katy Owen, who often had the audience in stitches. The role, along with the decadent antics of Maxim’s sister and boorish brother-in-law, played by Lizzie Winkler and Andy Williams, provided a welcome respite from the play’s otherwise solemn tone.

Emma Rice’s production is an absorbing and powerful take on this much-adored tale with an excellent cast, and deserves hearty praise.

Rebecca runs at Richmond Theatre tonight and tomorrow, when there are two shows.