The Talented Mr. Ripley would largely be recognised by its 1999 film starring Matt Damon. This Psychological thriller is an adaptation of the original 1955 novel of the same name. Written by Patricia Highsmith, the story has seen many other adaptations, including a 1960 film titled ‘Purple Moon’ and a 2024 Television Series titled ‘Ripley’. However, the tale has never been seen on the theatrical stage. That is, until now!
With a world premiere stage adaptation, the Sydney Theatre Company brings this iconic thriller to life. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Sarah Goodes, with Associate Directors Tait de Lorenzo and Kenneth Moraleda, The Talented Mr. Ripley recently opened at Melbourne’s Playhouse Theatre.
Starring Will McDonald as Tom Ripley, an orphan, living in New York in the 1950s. Ripley is barely surviving, when an opportunity presents itself with an offer he cannot refuse. Herbert Greenleaf (Andrew McFarlane), a wealthy shipping entrepreneur, seeks Ripley’s help. Mr. Greenleaf is sick of his son’s galivanting around Europe and employs Ripley to convince Dickie Greenleaf (Roman Delo) to return home and take up his place amongst the family business. Ripley accepts, however, with his masterful ability of deception and mimicry, Ripley takes advantage of his new financial windfall and befriends Dickie.
As Tom Ripley settles into the glamorous life in the Italian Riviera, he begins to take on the life and persona of the very man he was meant to bring home. Tom is slowly transforming into Dickie, and he realises that there is only one thing standing in his way to solidify this new version of himself. An obstacle that he is willing to kill for.
Having only seen the film a couple of days prior to seeing the stage production, I was curious to see how this epic thriller would transform into a theatrical space. Thankfully, this production is just as incredible as the film. The staging from Set Designer, Elizabeth Gadsby is simplistic in an almost epic way. A singular wall spanned the entire stage with a lone door at its centre. The wide expanse of the empty stage focuses the attention on the performances from the talented cast.
The minimalist design continued with the dramatic lighting by Damien Cooper. The spotlights cleverly dropped in and out of the space, creating some amazing shadow play and deliberately highlighting parts of the set. And when there were props on stage, they were not overpowering yet gave enough insight into the rich lifestyle that Tom Ripley had manipulated himself into.
As incredible as the staging, lighting and sound of this production is, it wouldn’t be anything without the stellar performances of this talented cast. The ensemble with Andrew McFarlane as Herbert Greenleaf, Johnny Nasser as Inspector Rolverini, Claude Scott-Mitchell as Dickie’s partner Marge Sherwood, and Faisal Hamza as Dickie’s friend Freddie Miles, are all fantastic in their respective roles. Plus, shout out to the un-credited character of the portable fan that made for some comedic moments.
Roman Delo portrays Dickie Greenleaf wonderfully. At first, Delo is stand-offish and sceptical at this new person that’s suddenly appeared before him. However, as time goes on, Delo transforms the character into one of almost brotherhood with his opposing character of Ripley. Watching as the chemistry with Will McDonald’s Ripley slowly evolved is fascinatingly captivating to witness. Also, Delo has some moves! Just wait for the club scene where the pair dance away under a giant, glittering chandelier.
Of course, this play wouldn’t be complete without the titular character. At the risk of sounding extremely cliché, Will McDonald is a talented fit for Mr. Ripley. I was blown away by McDonald’s endurance in a production that is two hours long, without interval, and his character is on stage almost all the time! To not only delivery the lengthy dialogue with flawless execution but transform the character into The Talented Mr. Ripley that we know from the book or film, is a pleasure to experience.
Faultless and commanding your attention with a piercing gaze and mesmerising stage presence, Melbourne audiences were hanging on every word McDonald delivered, and the talented Australian actor has created an astonishing version of this character that he’s not only made his own, but his Ripley is still charmingly likable, dashingly dangerous and thoroughly entertaining.
The entire company, cast and creatives should be very proud of what they have accomplished. And with a limited run, you don’t have much time to see this production before it leaves. For a world premiere production, the Sydney Theatre Company have created something special with their version of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Although, the two-hour run time did seem a little intimidating at first, it didn’t feel long. It is perfectly paced with a payoff at the end that’s worth the wait.
The Talented Mr. Ripley is performing until this November at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse Theatre, with the final performance on Sunday the 23rd of November.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/theatre/the-talented-mr-ripley
Cover photography by Prudence Upton.
Gallery photography by Cameron Grant.
