The Talented Mr Ripley ★★★ Richmond Theatre | November 10 - 15, 2025

When considering this stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley, it is difficult to avoid comparisons with the acclaimed 1999 film starring Matt Damon as Ripley and Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, or with the understated 2024 television miniseries featuring Andrew Scott in the title role. Yet, even among such distinguished company, this theatrical version of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller manages to hold its own. It does not seek to create the lush atmosphere of the film, nor does it achieve the moody subtlety of the series, but it effectively conveys the erotic and moral tension of the novel. Although the opening felt somewhat awkward, Ed McVey gradually grew into the role of the ingratiating and immoral Ripley, and from his first appearance, Bruce Herbelin-Earle was entirely convincing as the capricious and flirtatious Dickie. Maisie Smith gives a strong performance as the alternately suspicious and gullible Marge and the rest of the cast demonstrates an impressive versatility. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s memorably bullying Freddie Miles is missed, and in this version the role, played by Cary Crankson, has been unfortunately reduced. Instead, the production introduces intrusive and largely unnecessary meta-theatrical moments, presenting the story as a film in which Ripley appears as an actor. This device contributes little to the drama or to our understanding of his psychology. Other staging choices which also weaken the immediacy and tension are the heavy reliance on narration and soliloquy. Choosing to recount rather than enact key events does little to clarify or streamline an already intricate plot, and the internal monologues add little to the exploration of Highsmith’s themes of moral ambiguity, desire, and alienation. The simple set, which relies on the audience’s imagination, is a wise choice, though it probably proves challenging for some sightlines. Such caveats aside however, the essence of the author’s cat-and-mouse tale of deception and amoral ambition remains as compelling as ever, and this latest version offers a taut, imaginative reworking that stays true to her unsettling vision.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.

Photo by Mark Senior

When, Where, Getting there:

• November 10 - 15, 2025
• Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:30 pm
• Richmond Theatre
• Nearest tube: Richmond
• https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-talented-mr-ripley/richmond-theatre/