The Talented Mr Ripley

It’s now over 70 years since American author Patricia Highsmith wrote the psychological thriller The Talented Mr Ripley.  Her novel was highly praised by the critics as a convincing portrait of a psychopath and went on to win the Edgar Allan Poe Scroll of the Mystery Writers of America. Describing herself as ‘cynical, lonely, depressed and totally pessimistic’, she obviously plumbed the depths of her own despair to create such a dysfunctional character as Tom Ripley.

In 1960 a French adaptation was written and directed by Rene Clement, called Plein Soleil, which starred Alain Delon, but she was disappointed by its moralistic ending. Sadly, Patricia died a few years before the American film of The Talented Mr Ripley was released in 1999.  The film starred Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf and Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge, with Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman in supporting roles.

The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $128.8 million worldwide, receiving numerous nominations including five Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Law.  Jude Law won the BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, but despite many nominations Matt Damon missed out on a trophy.

Adapting this iconic film into a stage production must have been a huge challenge, but Adaptor and Director Mark Leipacher has done an amazing job.  With a cleverly designed central podium, that morphs from a bar into a bedroom into a boat etc., etc., the audience is absorbed into the action as the story unfolds. The use of lighting, costume and props transports us to various locations, with the masks in Venice doubling up as pigeons!

Tom Ripley is a nobody—scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies—until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.

But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads—the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder.

Taking the role of Tom Ripley is Ed McVey who played Prince William in The Crown, a role for which he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble  in a Drama Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.  Indeed, even if he didn’t win that particular award, his performance as Tom Ripley is absolutely outstanding as he uncovers the emotional depths of this complex character.  Every tiny nuance was expressed, with his thoughts conveyed by the ensemble of actors around him, helping us to understand who he is and why he behaves as he does.  Ed gives an exceptionally powerful performance in what is almost a one-man show over two and a half hours.  It was a privilege to watch such a talented actor on stage, as I know his star is on the rise and it will be interesting to watch his career progression.

British/French actor Bruce Herbelin-Earle is the perfect foil to Ripley, as the carefree, spoiled playboy Dickie Greenleaf.  Bruce also has a commanding stage presence and won recognition in the Emmy Award winning Netflix series Free Rein.

Former Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Maisie Smith, plays Dickie’s ever-tolerant girlfriend Marge, confused by the mixed messages she gets from Dickie after he disappears.

The Talented Mr Ripley is produced by Jack Maple, Thomas Hopkins, SAMS Entertainment and Carl Moellenberg.  The production was created by The Faction. 

An 8-part film-noir TV series starring Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley is now on Netflix, ensuring that this thrilling tale will reach new generations.  But there’s nothing quite like watching brilliant actors on stage draw you into the plot and keep you hooked for hours.  For tour dates visit: https://thetalentedmrripleyplay.com/

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X @ yvonnedelahaye)

26.1.26