Alluring, exotic and unconventional, it would appear Countess Rachel Sangalletti is not to be messed with.
Recently widowed, she travels from Florence to Cornwall to stay in the home of her late husband.
Yet her presence in the house arouses suspicion from her husband’s family, who suspect she had a hand in his untimely death.
Dark and foreboding, the psychological thriller My Cousin Rachel was originally written by Daphne du Maurier and enthralled readers when it was first published in 1951.
It went on to become an international bestseller, with successful film and stage adaptations over the years.
Now the play is making its way north to Inverness, where Joseph O’Connor’s acclaimed adaptation will take to the stage at Eden Court next week.
The five-night run, which begins on Tuesday, marks the only Scottish date for the play’s UK-wide tour.
Playing the lead role of Rachel is Helen George, known for her role as Trixie Franklin in BBC series Call the Midwife.
“It’s so exciting to play a different character,” said Helen, “especially one as vibrant as Rachel.
“She’s a real feminist and a strong woman, while at the same time has real depth and can be quite vulnerable.
“She’s very different from any character I’ve played in the past.
“For a start, she’s a real grown woman who knows her mind. Previous to this, I’ve only really played girls.”
Although excited to get her teeth into a new role, Helen was a little apprehensive at the thought of being in front of a live audience.
“It’s been two years since I was last on stage in a play, so it’s definitely nerve-wracking,” she said.
“It’s a totally different discipline, but I grew up performing on stage so it’s quite refreshing to get back to it in a way.
“Remembering the script has been a bit of a challenge though.
“Joseph O’Connor’s adaptation is beautiful but it is a rather dense text to memorise, especially since I’m used to just having to remember a few lines at a time for filming.”
The play opened last week in Bath, making Inverness just the second stop on the tour.
“We’ve not had much rehearsal time and it’s quite a big show with a big set, so we were really up against it,” said Helen.
“The opening week of a new tour is very full-on, so I’ve not had any time to myself, which is a pity – I’ve heard that the shopping in Bath is fantastic!
“But by the time we get up to Inverness next week it will be more relaxed as we get into the swing of things, I might even get some Christmas shopping started there.”
Helen’s not kidding when she says it’s a big show; the sets are meticulously detailed and the costumes spectacular.
She herself has no fewer than seven quick changes which range from 30 seconds to three minutes.
“Three minutes might sound like plenty of time to change costume but you need to take into account the corset changing too,” Helen said.
“Honestly, it stresses me out even thinking about it.
“The dresses are spectacular though, particularly a wonderful taffeta gown I get to wear for the Christmas scene.
“I’ve never been to Inverness before and I know the rest of the cast are really excited to perform there.
“Audiences are in for a real seasonal, Gothic, mysterious treat.”
My Cousin Rachel is showing at Eden Court in Inverness from Tuesday November 26. Tickets are available from www.eden-court.co.uk
