I hugely enjoyed this production of The Talented Mr Ripley when I saw it elsewhere in October 2025, and I jumped at the chance to see it again. There is a vogue at present for stage versions of novels, movies, and television series, and almost all that I have been asked to review have been instantly forgettable, but The Talented Mr Ripley puts those that have come before it totally in the shade! It isn’t just that money has been spent on it; it is because all those involved in its transfer from book to stage have done it intelligently, imaginatively, and, above all, inventively, and have then cast it from strength.
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller of the same name, it was made into a movie in 1999, and all five “Ripley” novels have more recently been adapted for a Netflix series, but this new version seems to me to be much more faithful to Highsmith’s work.
Tom Ripley (Ed McVey) is a nobody – scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies – until a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses paid trip to Italy in order to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf (Bruce Herbelin-Earle). Tom is quickly seduced by the 1950s glamour of Italy: the freedom, the wealth and charm. What begins as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies and… murder!
The highest compliment I can pay Mark Leipacher’s adaptation is to say that, if you did not know, you would think it an original play, not a stage version of a book. It has tremendous energy, then, at the same time, much light and shade, and, as director, Leipacher uses his ten-strong cast resourcefully, often swiftly and quietly moving scenery or even at times BEING the scenery. The whole production flows seamlessly and one is quickly caught up in the narrative, time flying by!
He is greatly aided by Holly Pigott’s striking black design: a stage set upon a stage, allowing for entrances from below. This is cleverly lit by Zeynep Kepekli to take us swiftly from New York to Italy. The scenes at sea are also well handled, the physicality of the acting being totally convincing. In addition, Max Pappenheim’s soundscape is never too obtrusive, always subtle and helps create the creation of mood.
The ten-strong cast is used as an ensemble, often perfectly choreographed, but Ed McVey as Ripley himself is on stage for the entire time. He has a strange charisma in the role, with a slightly grating, unpleasant voice, aiding his characterisation, which is totally believable, almost hypnotic at times. He is never tempted to be larger than life but is always completely natural, in his own way.
Bruce Herbelin-Earle, as Dickie Greenleaf, is very laid back with a gorgeous, smooth, velvety voice; one warms to him straight away. He is the typical wealthy, not very talented, young American abroad, seemingly casual about life and love. This is another superb portrayal, as is that of Maisie Smith as Marge Sherwood, who may or may not be Dickie’s girlfriend. This role is not as fully written as those of the two men, but Smith ensures that her performance has depth and is as complete as Highsmith intended.
Dickie’s father, Herbert, is believably played by Christopher Bianchi, who is imaginatively asked to double as the Italian detective Roverini. Cary Crankson makes the most of the secondary role of Freddie Miles, as does Leda of Herbert’s terminally ill wife.
In conclusion, this is a first-rate production of a novel which might have seemed impossible to stage effectively, but which turns out to be one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen, this year and last! It is only at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, until 4 April, and is well worth travelling miles to see, even from London, as it does not seem to be aiming for a West End transfer. The production remains as fresh as it did when I first encountered it six months ago and was obviously enjoyed by the Eastbourne audience, which gave generous and well-deserved applause at the curtain call. An unusual, exciting version of a fast-paced story: highly recommended!
Review by John Groves
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else?
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.
CAST
Ed McVey – Tom Ripley
Bruce Herbelin-Earle – Dickie Greenleaf
Maisie Smith – Marge Sherwood
Christopher Bianchi – Herbert Greenleaf / Roverini
Cary Crankson – Freddie Miles / Alvin McCarron / Figure 3
Leda – Emily / Cleo / Dottie / Stuzzi / Buffi / French Girl / Figure 5
Jason Eddy – Peter / Fausto / Receptionist
Lachlan McCall – Figure 1 / Concierge / Passerby
Hollie Sullivan – Figure 2 / American
Aldous Ciokajlo-Squire – Figure 4 / Official
Written by Patricia Highsmith
Adapted and directed by Mark Leipacher
Holly Pigott – Set and Costume Designer
Zeynep Kepekli – Lighting Designer
Max Pappenheim – Sound Designer
Marc Frankum CDG – Casting Director
Sarita Piotrowski – Movement Director
Craig Forrest-Thomas – Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer
Haruka Kuroda – Fight and Intimacy Director
Aundrea Fudge – Voice and Dialect Coach
THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY
Devonshire Park Theatre, 20 March to 4 April 2026
Tour continues to 25 April 2026
