Brighton Theatre Royal Review: The Talented Mr Ripley

Summary

Rating: ★★★★☆ 
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 
Running Dates:  27th October - 1st November 2025 (with further dates in different locations)
Where to see it: Brighton Theatre Royal
Keywords: Obsession, Desperation, Tense

Photography by Mark Senior

Review

The opening night of The Talented Mr Ripley in Brighton was, in one word, incredible. From the simple but effective set design, to the breathtaking ensemble the entire production was dedicated to conveying Ripley’s obsessive paranoia. 

The play begins and ends with the same monologue, one that starts with the question “Have you ever felt like someone is watching you?”. A feeling that is so integrally human that you can’t help but start the play trusting Ripley, and end it reminded that he simply wants to not be himself. 

For those unfamiliar, the plot of The Talented Mr Ripley follows Tom Ripley, a lying New Yorker, who unexpectedly runs into Richard Greenleaf’s father in a bar who, on the assumption that Tom and Richard are friends, urges him to go to Europe to bring home his son. Ripley takes him up on the offer, and on arrival finds Richard and his summer love Marge Sherwood. After a couple of awkward interactions Ripley weasels his way into their friendship but when Ripley becomes obsessed with Richard’s lifestyle an unfortunate incident leads Ripley to take Richard’s identity. 

Photography by Mark Senior

All the actors involved were entirely convincing and generally just wonderful in their roles. Bruce Herbelin-Earle, who plays Richard, and Maisie Smith, who plays Marge, were amazing, especially in their physicality and small couple filled tension interactions. It goes without saying that Ed McVey was scarily adapted to the role of Tom Ripley, from the flip between impersonating Richard to Ripley himself, McVey gave a flawless performance in such an intense role. 

The use of a single black backdrop lined with solid strip lights and simplistic white square raised platform with a hole in the middle helped provide a plain campus on which Ripley’s vivid descriptions could come to life. Through lighting and sound each scene was painted perfectly. 

If you have a spare evening in Brighton this week, I strongly urge you to go watch this brilliant execution of The Talented Mr Ripley.  

Standout Quote or Moment: The use of the “Have you ever felt like someone is watching you?” monologue.
Similar Media: The Talented Mr Ripley (1999), Saltburn (2023), Strangers on a Train (1951) 

Written by Hazel Earthy