Theatre / Bristol old vic
First major stage production of ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’ comes to Bristol Old Vic
Though many fans first came to the story through the 2000 Oscar-nominated film starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, the book that inspired it – Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller The Talented Mr Ripley – was published back in 1955.
It has since been rebooted again, in Steve Zaillian’s dark and brooding 2024 Netflix adaptation starring Andrew Scott, filmed in atmospheric black and white.
Fittingly, as Highsmith’s novel reaches its 70th anniversary, the first major stage adaptation is now touring, prior to a West End run. The production arrives at Bristol Old Vic on November 3 for the first of eight performances.
is needed now More than ever
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.
Bruce Herbelin-Earle and Ed McVey as Dickie Greenleaf and Tom Ripley in The Talented Mr Ripley
Adapted and directed by Mark Leipacher and produced by Jack Maple and Thomas Hopkins, the show features a 10-strong cast led by Ed McVey (The Crown) as the eponymous Tom Ripley, Bruce Herbelin-Earle (Free Rein) as the glamorous Dickie Greenleaf, and Maisie Smith (Eastenders) as Dickie’s girlfriend, Marge Sherwood.
The creative team includes set and costume from Holly Piggott (Fleabag, Wyndham’s Theatre) and Ellen Farrell, lighting design by Zeynep Kepekli (The Little Mermaid, Bristol Old Vic) and sound design from Max Pappenheim (The Night of the Iguana, Noel Coward Theatre).
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The Talented Mr Ripley (age recommendation 12+) is at Bristol Old Vic on November 3-8 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
Find out more about the show at www.thetalentedmrripleyplay.com or follow @ripleyonstage.
All photos: Mark Senior
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