The Talented Mr Ripley at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – A Chilling Descent into Deception
2026-01-27T07:41:08Z
Last night I made my way to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre to see The Talented Mr Ripley, and it delivered a truely dark, stylish and increasingly unsettling evening of theatre. This gripping adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s thriller slowly tightens its grip, drawing you into a world of glamour, obsession and moral decay.
If you’re a fan of psychological drama that favours slow-burn tension over a spectacle, this production is well worth seeking out and will likely stay with you long after the curtain falls.
A Seductive Story That Slowly Tightens the Noose
The production eases you into the show, setting up the characters and immersing you in their relationships. The drama really spikes at the beginning of the second half, with every interaction that Tom Ripley has after that adding more unease. Conversations that initially seem casual or even playful take on a sharper edge, and the sense that something is about to unravel seems increasingly unavoidable.
Tom Ripley’s inner monologues play a huge part in this, giving the audience direct access to his fractured, self-conscious thinking. These moments are deeply uncomfortable in the best way, amplifying the stress and making you complicit in his spiralling mindset.
Performances That Heighten the Tension
Ed McVey gives a compelling and quietly disturbing performance as Tom Ripley, switching seamlessly between awkward charm and calculated control. As the pressure mounts, his portrayal becomes increasingly intense and unsettling as he battles with his conscience. Bruce Herbelin-Earle brings effortless ease and magnetism to Dickie Greenleaf, perfectly capturing the privilege and freedom that Tom so desperately covets, while Maisie Smith’s Marge Sherwood provides a grounded emotional presence that immediately disrupts Tom’s fantasy of belonging.
The three work effortlessly together on stage, and it’s within these shared scenes that the drama truly escalates. Some of the production’s most effective moments come when Tom and Dickie’s lines overlap, creating electric exchanges that reflect Tom’s fractured sense of self. At the same time, the growing friction between Tom and Marge is quietly but powerfully built, with Smith playing suspicion and unease in a way that steadily tightens the tension.
Clever, Effective Staging
The staging is one of the production’s real strengths. The use of a hole in the stage is particularly effective and imaginative, becoming a recurring visual motif that adds depth and menace to key scenes. It’s used creatively rather than as a gimmick, reinforcing the sense of things quite literally falling apart and Tom feeling watched from all angles.
Lighting is also used to great effect throughout. Sudden, blinding light resets are employed when things go wrong, jolting the audience and making them feel the disorientation that Tom is feeling. These moments make a real impact, helping to maintain tension without overstating the drama.
A Dark and Stylish Night at the Theatre
The Talented Mr Ripley at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a confident and atmospheric production that slowly cranks up the tension as the show goes on. It’s stylish without being showy, unsettling without being sensational, and anchored by strong performances and innovative staging choices.
If you’re looking for a night at the theatre that leaves you thinking long after the final curtain call, then this chilling descent into deception is well worth seeing.
The Talented Mr Ripley – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
📅 Mon 26 Jan – Sat 31 Jan 2026
🎟️ Tickets from £15
⏱️ 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval)
