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The Talented Mr Ripley Stage Adaptation Melbourne: Full Review

Joanna Murray-Smith’s new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr Ripley has arrived at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, giving Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller a sharp, modern edge. Presented by Sydney Theatre Company, this Melbourne season runs until 23 November 2025 and follows a highly praised world premiere in Sydney.

This adaptation brings all the tension, glamour and unease that fans of the novel and the 1999 film will expect — and adds a theatrical energy that makes it feel fresh for today’s audience.

Image: The Talented Mr. Ripley – Sydney Theatre Company. Image credit: Prudence Upton.

A gripping story of identity, obsession and the cost of wanting more

Set in the sun-soaked world of 1950s Italy, the story follows Tom Ripley (Will McDonald), a young man desperate to escape his modest life. When wealthy industrialist Herbert Greenleaf (Andrew McFarlane) sends him to bring back his charming, drifting son Dickie (Roman Delo), Ripley becomes captivated by Dickie’s lifestyle — and dangerously determined to make it his own.

McDonald delivers a standout performance, bringing an unnerving mix of vulnerability and ambition to Ripley. Delo’s Dickie is charismatic and careless in all the right ways, making Ripley’s growing fixation feel both believable and inevitable. Claude Scott-Mitchell adds depth as Marge Sherwood, grounding the story with quiet strength and suspicion. The ensemble, including Faisal Hamza, Andrew McFarlane and Johnny Nasser, keeps the tension tight throughout.

Image: Will McDonald in Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley at Rosyln Packer Theatre 2025. Photo by Prudence Upton

Stylish design that heightens the suspense

Elizabeth Gadsby’s set is one of the production’s biggest strengths. A slowly closing wall creates a creeping sense of claustrophobia, while the boat scene — executed with bold, cinematic stagecraft — is one of the show’s most memorable moments. The nightclub sequence, glowing with crystal lights, builds the glamour of Ripley’s new world.

Steve Francis’s sound design mixes cool 1950s jazz with a darker emotional undertone, echoing Ripley’s unraveling mindset and adding to the thriller atmosphere.

Image: Roman Delo and Will McDonald in Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley at Arts Centre Melbourne 2025. Photo by Cameron Grant

A smart, modern take on a classic psychological thriller

Murray-Smith’s adaptation is tightly written, thoughtful and accessible, making it ideal for older teens, young adults and anyone interested in taut psychological drama. Themes of identity, privilege, envy and reinvention are explored — all within a fast-moving two-hour performance with no interval.

The Talented Mr Ripley is recommended for ages 15+ due to strong language, mature themes, simulated blood, herbal cigarette use and strobe lighting.

Image: Claude Scott-Mitchell, Roman Delo and Will McDonald in Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr. Ripley at Arts Centre Melbourne 2025. Photo by Cameron Grant

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DATE: Until 23 November 2025
VENUE: Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne
DURATION: 2 hours (no interval)
RECOMMENDED AGE: 15+
MORE INFORMATION

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