The Talented Mr. Ripley: The Faction Theatre Productions

★★★★

Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley, adapted and directed by Mark Leipacher on tour throughout the UK until May 2026.

[Disclosure: Our reviewer received free tickets, a free programme, and free drinks for the purposes of this review.]

Adapting The Talented Mr Ripley for the stage was always going to be a risk. The 1999 film, directed by Anthony Minghella and starring Matt Damon, set such a high standard that any new version inevitably invites comparison – at least for a certain generation.  For many of us, that film remains the definitive adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller — elegant, unsettling, and impossible to forget.

As far as I’m aware, this adaptation by Mark Leipacher is the most high-profile stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley yet seen in the UK.  And it’s certainly polished, and well-crafted. Every aspect of the production is carefully thought out and professionally executed. Ed McVey makes a compelling Tom Ripley — unattractively desperate as himself, compelling when pretending to be others — while Bruce Herbeline-Earle conveys smooth effortless charm as Dickie Greenleaf. The ensemble works cohesively, and the scene moves effortlessly from New York to sun-drenched Italy with creative and clever use of a minimalist set.

Despite all the professionalism and talent on display, the production didn’t grip me. I didn’t ever forget that I was watching actors perform – and the occasional wobbles with the American and Italian accents didn’t help. Judging by the warm but not rapturous applause at the opening night in Oxford, I was not the only one who felt this way.

This new adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley is a perfectly enjoyable evening out.  But if the theatre is an occasional indulgence or if you really loved the 1999 film, then I might be inclined to save my ticket money for something really special.

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