Ed McVey (centre) as Tom Ripley & the cast in THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, credit Mark Senior
The Talented Mr. Ripley
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
From March 30th to Saturday, April 4th
by Tony Flood
Mark Leipacher deserves much credit for performing the difficult task of adapting Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley to a stage play.
Leipacher, who also directs this production, excels in taking us into the world of deception and deadly ambition, but the play is slow-paced in the first act and at times confusing in the second act.
Nevertheless, it was well received at Devonshire Park Theatre‘s matinee on Wednesday, with the audience giving prolonged applause at the final curtain.
They no doubt appreciated that a stage adaptation does not have the advantages of the big-screen productions in 1960 (Purple Noon) and 1999.
This psychological thriller tells how a nobody, Tom Ripley, (Ed McVey) has an unexpected change of fortune when a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf (Bruce Herbelin-Earle).
Tom becomes seduced by the 1950s glamour of Italy and is eaten up with jealousy at the aloof Dickie’s idealistic lifestyle. His obsession leads to lies, murder and identity theft.
Maisie Smith as Marge Sherwood & Bruce Herbelin-Earle as Dickie Greenleaf in THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, credit Mark Senior
The ten-strong cast gives excellent performances. But the stand-outs are McVey (Prince William in The Crown), Herbelin-Earle and former Eastenders star Maisie Smith, as Dickie’s unappreciated girlfriend Marge Sherwood. McVey, following in the footsteps of Alain Delon, Matt Damon, John Malkovich and Andrew Scott, is on stage almost throughout, causing chaos and danger with his irrational behaviour.
Dickie’s father, Herbert, is convincingly played by Christopher Bianchi. He doubles as an Italian detective, who twice jumps to the wrong conclusion to let Ripley off the hook.
Cary Crankson, as the suspicious Freddie Miles, provides superb support.
LtoR Bruce Herbelin-Earle as Dickie Greenleaf & Ed McVey as Tom Ripley in THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY, credit Mark Senior
Holly Pigott’s minimalist set design enables scene changes to be made swiftly as we are taken from New York to Italy. Other important contributions are made by lighting designer Zeynep Kepekli, sound designer Max Pappenheim and casting director Marc Frankum.
But the use of cinematic methods to rewind and replay dramatic scenes reduces the tension.
Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email: tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:www.anderidawriters.co.uk
That sounds like a really interesting production. I’ve always been fascinated by stories exploring identity and deception.
I’m pleased my review has been of help to you. If you go to see The Talented Mr. Ripley, I hope you enjoy it. Best wishes, Tony Flood
I’m pleased my review has been of help to you. If you go to see The Talented Mr. Ripley, I hope you enjoy it. Best wishes, Tony Flood