3-034-736 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "Rebecca," at Drury-Lane Theatre, 1871. London stage production. 'Mr. Halliday's adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe," under the name of "Rebecca," at Drury Lane, appears to suit the present state of the public taste. It certainly contains some striking scenes, and that (in the third act) of the Turret Chamber, where Rebecca (Miss Neilson) defies Brian de Bois Guilbert (Mr. Dewhurst) and threatens to leap from the battlements, is perhaps the most effective. It is, as we have already said, acted with earnestness, and accordingly is very successful with the audience. The situation is obvious enough, and has been frequently employed as a melodramatic effect; but this is a consideration which modern audiences never suffer to interfere with their pleasure, and the miscellaneous public who patronise the national theatre welcome the excitement which it occasions. As an opportunity for ambitious acting it merits praise, and all parties are to be congratulated on the result'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.