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The Talented Mr Ripley, Wimborne Drama, Tivoli Theatre

NEVER having seen the film version of this play, nor read the novel, I was perhaps at a major disadvantage – so it did not help that there were huge stretches of dialogue early on in this production that I simply could not hear, despite the actors’ body mics, clarity of speech possibly having been sacrificed for authenticity of accent.

Either this was remedied as the play progressed, or my ears attuned themselves, but the second half seemed infinitely clearer. But I am not convinced that this story of an American psychopath who stops at nothing to get what he wants makes a good play, as to my mind it leaves too many questions unanswered.

However, Rob Cording is rewardingly sinister in the title role – and shows no embarrassment at having to make so many full costume changes in view of the audience – and there are fine performances too from Greg Verver as Dickie Greenleaf, whose alter ego Tom Ripley adopts, and from Jackie Lawson as Dickie’s girlfriend, Marge.

The supporting cast also provide good characterisations, in particular Ryan Clements (Freddie Miles) and Paul Dodman (Herbert Greenleaf), and there are some excellent sound and lighting effects.

Linda Kirkman

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