DAPHNE du Maurier’s powerful story of secrets and romance at Manderley is known and loved by many – which is undoubtedly the reason why the Club’s run is totally sold out. And those who do have tickets will not be disappointed, because from the moment that the haunting strains of Britten’s ‘Interlude’ from Peter Grimes herald the start of the play it is as gripping and outstanding a production as one could wish for.
The set is magnificent, and director Keith Rawlings has assembled a fine cast who bring the beautifully drawn characters alive and keep the audience glued to the edge of their seats. Jane Sheraton, a Club newcomer, paces the young Mrs de Winter’s growing confidence superbly and speaks volumes with her facial expressions, despite the hindrance of a rather artificial-looking wig. Don Gent as her husband, Maxim de Winter, is every inch the gentleman with a hidden past while Eileen Rawlings’ chilling Mrs Danvers creates a sense of terror with her every entrance.
There are strong performances too from Angela Whyatt and Noel Davenport (Beatrice & Giles Lacy), Andrew Whyatt (Frank Crawley), Derek Hyder (Jack Favell) and John Kilduff (Colonel Julyan), and superb cameos from Hugh Norris and David Hinton.
This is drama at its absolute best.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemout Daily Echo