Rebecca is, by anyone’s standards, a timeless classic. Daphne Du Maurier’s novel, beloved by generations, has never gone out of print since it was first published in 1938, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Oscar-winning film is recognised among the iconic director’s finest work.

Adapting such a widely adored tale for the stage is no small task, but award-winning director Emma Rice has risen to the challenge.

Following the mysterious death of his first wife, Maxim de Winter returns to Manderley with a young bride, but the new Mrs De Winter is consumed by jealousy, surrounded by the memories of Rebecca.

She sets out to uncover the secrets of the house and a past guarded fiercely by the sinister housekeeper Mrs Danvers, played by Emily Raymond.

Raymond says she studied other portrayals of the role, particular Judith Anderson’s superb performance in Hitchcock’s 1940 film.

She says: "Normally if I am in something I don’t watch other portrayals but this is such an iconic film and role I thought I would learn as much about it as I could, then do it in my own way.

"Once you start actually working on a role it soon becomes your own."

Raymond says after exploring the depths of Mrs Danvers she has begun to sympathise with the terrifying housekeeper.

She says: “When I was first up for the part I thought oh she’s the nasty evil one in Rebecca, but when I read the book I saw a different side to her.

“I see her as a woman in a state of deep, deep grief and I think that grief makes you into somebody that does things you would never normally do.

“It seemed very clear to me that it she a woman who is grieving and in a lot of anguish about the person she has loved, and her husband getting married so soon. Everything seemed to fall into place after that.”

Raymond says she loves Mrs Danvers’ stillness and power, but visiting her damaged and warped mindset night after night can be exhausting.

She says the story is really about the journey of the young Mrs De Winter.

Raymond says: "She goes from someone shy and retiring to someone who finds her own voice. I think that’s a very exciting take on the story.”

  • Rebecca; Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond; March 16 to 21, evening shows 7.30pm, matinees 2.30pm; tickets £10 to £45.90; visit atgtickets.com/richmond.