Richmond Theatre – until Saturday 15th November 2025
Reviewed by Carly
4****
Richmond brings you the psychological thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley, based on the book written by Patricia Highsmith, adapted for the stage by Mark Leipacher. Also made into a film in 1999 and more recently turned into a Netflix series.
Set in the 1950’s the play opens in New York City where we are introduced to Tom Ripley (Ed McVey) a small-time con artist living day by day. When he is approached by a stranger by the name of Herbet Greenleaf (Christopher Bianchi) a father who’s worried about his wayward son Dickie Greenleaf (Bruce Herbelin-Earle) who left for Italy and has no intention of returning home. His father, on the other hand, wants him to come back home as his mother is poorly and would desperately like to see her son. Herbet then offers Tom an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to track down his son and bring him home. Tom accepts Herbet’s offer, however after arriving and finding Dickie, Tom finds himself enthralled by Dickies lifestyle and freedom which leads to a deadly obsession, resulting in a web of lies and deceit.
Although this production only had a small cast, they all had a great ability to take on different roles, delivering remarkable depth and greatness. Alongside a simple set, of a stage on a stage only offering dark surroundings with a few props and lighting that set different moods and a great atmosphere.
This was a good production, that was enjoyable to watch; I personally felt the first half was done exceptionally well and left the audience on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the second act. In contrast I was unfortunately left feeling disappointed at the end of the second act; I had the sense that the production was slightly elongated and perhaps could have been finished in a more succinct way. Due to this I was almost inclined to mark this production at 3 stars, however, Ed McVey’s innate talent, which showcases his ability to fully embody the character that he is playing, making his performance believable and unforgettable, raised this production in my opinion.