The Talented Mr Ripley At Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Debbie Kingsland

Having seen the film a couple of times over the years I was excited to see how the play would compare.

Based on the 1999 film, a psychological thriller directed by Anthony Mijghella. Matt Damon played Tom Ripley accompanied by fellow actors Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett. Some of my favourite actors so I had high expectations for the play.

The 2025/2026 touring stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith and adapted by Mark Leipacher. The ten-strong ensemble cast is led by Ed McVey as Tom Ripley. Ed was one of the stars of the hit Netflix show The Crown. EastEnders regular and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith will star alongside him as Marge.

Set in the 1950’s the story follows a young and naïve Tom Ripley who was offered an all expenses paid trip to travel to Venice in Italy to bring back a wealthy stranger’s wayward son to return to America. The amount offered for the trip was too much for Tom to refuse and Tom jumped at the chance being that he was living a life of near poverty in New York relying on cheap motels to stay and work opportunities were sparse. The lavish lifestyle that the heir Dickie was afforded swayed Tom Ripley into a dark world of murder and deception in order for him to enjoy the lavish lifestyle that Dickie was living. This resorted to Tom’s extreme measures and greed to impersonate Dickie for personal gain and enjoy the life and benefits that came with it. The murder and fighting scenes were particularly good, with the acting and sound effects seamlessly orchestrated to the point I actually believed the punching, slaps and bludgeoning were real. At one point I flinched.

Being I had previously seen the film I was quickly able to follow but my companion who came with me took a little longer to understand the storyline. The props were rather basic in my opinion and all based around a big block in the middle of the stage. That said, the acting was fabulous and that alone was compelling. The movement of the stage props were done meticulously and evolved perfectly with the acting. I frequently overheard other members of the audience comment on the amazing quality of the acting.

I would definitely say that it’s worth going to see but recommend reading the storyline before you go that way you will be enticed into the play and storyline more quickly hence avoiding a slow start.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a lovely theatre with excellent accessibility throughout. You can purchase a drinks and nibbles package when booking too. Lots of parking availability nearby and an array of shops, bars and restaurants if you get there early.

Monday 26th January until 31st January in Aylesbury but further dates until 2nd May around the country.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-talented-mr-ripley/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/
Ticket prices from £15 – to £62.50 with a £3.95 transaction fee.
Times 14:30 matinee (not everyday) and 19.30 evening shows.
Running time 2 hours with an additional 30 mins interval
Rating: 4/5