The Talented Mr Ripley - Cheltenham Everyman REVIEW

Ed McVey delivers an undeniably strong performance as Tom Ripley in this stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley. Rarely leaving the stage, he moves effortlessly from boyish charm to obsessive, murderous psychopath, and yet somehow remains oddly endearing. His presence carries the production, though the central chemistry between Ripley and Dickie Greenleaf never quite convinces, which is unfortunate, given how crucial their dynamic is to the story.

Maisie Smith and Bruce Herbelin-Earle provide excellent support, ensuring the acting on stage is solid across the board. However, the staging and direction prove more difficult to digest. Performed on an abstract square stage alongside minimal props, the set feels more pretentious than purposeful. The ensemble is over-choreographed and often distracting. 

The most frustrating element is the recurring device of extras interrupting scenes with cries of "cut," before re-running them as though on a film set. This conceit adds nothing to the plot and only serves to break momentum, dismantling what little flow has been established. I also feel the script could use some tightening to aid the pace of the production as well. 

Overall, this production feels disjointed and jarring – a missed opportunity to transform an atmospheric story into gripping theatre. The show has undeniable potential, not least due to McVey’s commanding performance, but it struggles to find consistency or cohesion.

The Talented Mr Ripley continues on tour to Edinburgh, Birmingham, Woking, Oxford, Brighton, Bristol, Richmond upon Thames and Salford until 22 November, ahead of a planned West End run.