The Story of The Talented Mr Ripley
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else?
A Nobody Becomes Somebody
Tom Ripley is a nobody—scraping by in 1950s New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies—until a chance encounter changes everything. When wealthy businessman Herbert Greenleaf offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.
Seduced by the Good Life
In the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads—the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. What begins as fascination turns to obsession. As his grip tightens on Dickie's world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur.
A Dangerous Spiral
When Dickie grows tired of Tom and announces his intention to discard him, something inside Tom snaps. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder. Tom must use all his cunning to maintain his stolen life while staying one step ahead of those who might expose him.
The Question
As Tom Ripley himself repeatedly asks throughout the show: "Do you ever have the feeling you're being watched?" In an age of surveillance and scrutiny, Ripley's paranoid question feels more relevant than ever.
Key Themes
- Identity and Transformation - "Better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody" - exploring how we construct and perform our identities
- Class and Aspiration - The seductive power of wealth and the barriers between social classes in 1950s society
- Obsession and Desire - The dangerous line between admiration and possession, fascination and fixation
- Deception and Morality - How far can lies take you, and at what cost to your humanity?
- Sexuality and Repression - The homoerotic undertones and sexual ambiguity of 1950s life
- The American Dream Corrupted - The dark side of reinvention and social mobility
Contemporary Relevance: Written in 1955, The Talented Mr Ripley feels remarkably current. In our age of social media personas, influencer culture, and constant self-presentation, Tom Ripley's question resonates: Most of us present ourselves differently for different audiences. We all want to be someone else at various times. Ripley simply goes too far.
Practical Information
Show Times
- Dates: 10 - 15 November 2025
- Evening performances: Times vary by date
- Matinees: Selected afternoons available
- Check specific times when booking
Getting There
- Train: Richmond Station (South Western Railway, London Overground, District Line) - 5 mins walk
- Underground: Richmond (District Line) - 5 mins walk
- Buses: Multiple routes stop near The Green
- Parking: Nearby parking facilities available
Theatre Information
- Historic Grade II-listed venue designed by Frank Matcham
- Opened in 1899, beautifully preserved
- Located in the heart of Richmond's cultural quarter
- Featured in Finding Neverland, Killing Eve, and Ted Lasso
- Accessible seating available
- Bar and facilities throughout the venue
Age Guidance
Recommended for ages 12+ due to adult themes including murder, identity theft, psychological manipulation, and implied violence. The show contains mature content and explores dark psychological themes.
Running Time
2 hours including one interval. The show features extensive dialogue and requires sustained attention to follow Ripley's complex psychological journey and web of deceptions.
