Malvern Theatres – until 17 December 2019
Reviewed by Vanessa Gibson
5****
When Rachel Ashley (Helen George) travels to her late husband’s family home she is perhaps unprepared for judgements which have already been made about her. Philip Ashley (Jack Holden), nephew and heir, is convinced that Rachel is far from the grieving widow and may have caused the death of his beloved uncle overseas. Philip holds deep suspicions that Rachel has ulterior motives for visiting the family home, suspicions fuelled by letters he received from his uncle prior to his sudden death.
And so unfolds the mystery of Rachel. Beautifully played by Helen George, Rachel moves from being vulnerable and all you would expect of a grieving widow, to a woman who accepts a substantial allowance she has previously refused- but only after she imposes her own terms on it.
Jack Holden delivers an immaculate performance of a grieving nephew, making you question whether he is the played or the player. Views and emotions change as relationships build but with incredible characterisation from both leads throughout you find yourself questioning which aspect of Rachel and Philip is real.
Of note is Andy Hawthorne as faithful servant Seecombe. Seecombe adds some local colour, with a Cornish accent and some well time quips which lighten some scenes.
A combination of atmospheric set (Richard Kent), lighting (David Plater) and sound (Max Pappenheim) adds to the impact of this play. The stage offers the ability to perform not only at stage level but also high into curtain height, changing the perspectives of the audience. Sound and light beautifully capture the character of an old house over looking the sea, particularly poignant is the use of a gramophone providing a backdrop of music to an emotional scene.
Overall My Cousin Rachel oozes tension and is a ‘must see’ and is highly recommended.