The Talented Mr Ripley is coming to Theatre Royal Windsor

The Talented Mr Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith’s iconic novel, will run at Theatre Royal Windsor from February 24 to 28, bringing the story of Tom Ripley’s deadly deception in 1950s Italy to the stage.

The cast is led by Ed McVey in the title role, with Maisie Smith as Marge Sherwood and Bruce Herbelin-Earle as Dickie Greenleaf.

Mr McVey said: "I was a big fan of the other iterations and I wanted to make my own go of it.

"And it's worked out really well. The audiences have been really enjoying it and I've been enjoying it too.

"It's all I've wanted it to be so far."

He describes Ripley as wanting 'a better life for himself, he's a chancer and a chameleon'.

Although Mr McVey stressed that he’s 'definitely less manipulative' than his character, adding: "I probably wouldn't murder anyone."

The story follows Tom Ripley, a young man scraping by in New York who is hired by a wealthy stranger to travel to Italy and persuade his son, Dickie Greenleaf, to return home.

Ripley becomes captivated by Dickie’s luxurious lifestyle, and his fascination quickly deepens into obsession.

As Ripley inserts himself into Dickie’s world, lines blur and a chilling spiral of deception and violence unfolds.

Ed McVey is best known for his portrayal of Prince William in Netflix’s The Crown, while Maisie Smith is widely recognised for her long-running role as Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders and her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

Ms Smith said: "The story is timeless. It's been told a few times but our adaptation is very different and very new, so it was just irresistible to me.

"She's so much fun to play because she's very smart, intelligent and intuitive.

"She's one of the only characters in the show that doesn't completely fall for Tom's facade."

Bruce Herbelin-Earle, who plays Dickie Greenleaf, describes his character as 'very charismatic... he's a little impulsive and he's curious'.

Performances will take place Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

The running time is two hours and 20 minutes.

Tickets are priced between £29.50 and £46 and can be booked through the box office on 01753 853888 or online at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/ripley-26.

The Theatre Royal Windsor, located at 32 Thames Street in the centre of Windsor, is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate year-round in the country.

It has a history stretching back over 200 years and has gained a reputation for the quality of its productions.