Fans of Saltburn, meet your new obsession in The Talented Mr Ripley

• The Talented Mr. Ripley has officially opened at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.
• The Sydney Theatre Company production stars Netflix’s Heartbreak High actor Will McDonald as Tom Ripley and Raj Labade (Amazon Prime’s The Office) as Dickie Greenleaf.
• The talented, next-generation actors and relevant themes make this an exciting viewing for young people.

With its darkly seductive tale of identity and obsession, Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 classic The Talented Mr Ripley continues to captivate readers and film lovers across generations. Now, Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith brings the story to the stage, reimagining the psychological thriller for a new—dare we say, Gen Z—audience.

The story of serial killer conman Tom Ripley (Will McDonald) and charismatic trust fund baby Dickie Greenleaf (Raj Labade) unfolds in the fictional town of Mongibello, based on the Italian town Positano. Brought to life with soft lighting and cigarette-smoking locals who lounge on the stage in 1950s swimwear, it’s a case of Euro summer gone wrong.

Ripley travels to Mongibello to persuade the estranged Dickie to return home at the request of Herbie Greenleaf, who is funding Ripley’s trip. However, he quickly falls in love with Dickie’s sun-soaked, privileged life (and, as this production strongly suggests, Dickie himself). His is obsession quickly turns dark.

As the boys spend more time together, Dickie’s girlfriend, Marge Sherwood (Claude Scott-Mitchell), grows jealous and suspicious, calling Ripley “creepy” in a letter that Dickie never reads. As Ripley’s obsession grows, so does the tension.

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A next-generation cast

The young cast of The Talented Mr Ripley assert themselves as rising stars of Australian theatre, delivering performances that are both impressive and deeply committed.

Will McDonald’s Tom Ripley masterfully draws the audience into a state of moral unease: you find yourself sympathising with him at times, even as you recognise his unravelling sanity and unnerving obsession. McDonald’s constant narration and subtle breaking of the fourth wall invites you to see Ripley as the antihero he’s known to be.

From the endearingly awkward Ripley, buttoned into a stiff, monotone suit, to the love-struck puppy trailing after Dickie, followed by the heartbroken, anguished boy, reeling from his rejection. Then, of course, he becomes confident and composed, empowered by his takeover of Dickie’s identity and dressed more comfortably in his loose-fitting, stylish clothes. McDonald delivers a striking character arc.

Raj Labade, meanwhile, effortlessly embodies Dickie Greenleaf’s charismatic, privileged ease. It’s the kind of charm so disarming that, despite his entitlement and lack of ambition, you can’t help but be drawn to him. Whether he’s shouting “Ciao Bella” to Marge or draped across a deck chair, cigarette in mouth, his magnetic confidence and assured physicality (especially in the high-energy dance break) make him the perfect Dickie.

McDonald and Labade share a palpable chemistry, which is essential to this production. Ripley’s homoerotic fascination with Dickie is emphasised, particularly in a striking scene where Ripley, dressed as Dickie, passionately embraces his own reflection. McDonald commits his whole body to these scenes, allowing the audience to catch a glimpse at Ripley’s true psychopathic tendencies that are well stifled in his interactions with other characters.

This adaptation presents Marge Sherwood as significantly more likeable and admirable than her novel and movie counterparts. Yes, she is in love with Dickie, however, Scott-Mitchell brings a calm and stoic nature to the character. She is level-headed, and her jealousy is not girlish; it’s valid.

Comedic relief comes in the form of Ripley’s equally out-of-touch friend Freddie Miles, played brilliantly by Faisal Hamza. An obnoxious fellow rich kid, whom Ripley despises, Hamza captures that pretentious “bro” energy perfectly.

Johnny Nasser, who played Inspector Rolverini, also brought plenty of comedic moments, whether he was holding a fan to the actors’ faces to give the illusion of wind, or the moment where he asserted, “Maybe all Americans look the same”. In contrast, Andrew McFarlene brought a naivety to Herbie Greenleaf that makes you sympathise with his desperation and reliance on Ripley.

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Why young people should see this play

Firstly, it’s important to note that Sydney Theatre Company offer discounted tickets to people under the age of 30. With some of these tickets going for $38, it’s one of the more affordable theatre experiences for young people in Sydney.

The Talented Mr Ripley also explores timeless themes, which is why the novel and its various films continue to appeal to young audiences. In a world where social media fuels envy, whether over physical appearances, social lives, careers or wealth, the desire to be someone else, or to have what others seem to have, it’s a universal feeling for those raised in the digital age. This adds another dimension to those strange feelings of sympathy and relatability that Ripley’s character is meant to evoke.

Alongside its compelling plot, the production’s vibrant cast adds to its resonance with younger crowds. Will McDonald is already a familiar face to teens and young adults, thanks to his role in Netflix’s Heartbreak High, a series that explores the complexities of growing up in Australia.

With Ripley, Dickie, Marge and Freddie all portrayed by actors in their twenties, the cast showcases some of the rising stars of Australian theatre and film, bringing a high-energy and relatable presence to the production.

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I also couldn’t help but draw similarities in this production between Emerald Fennell’s 2023 film Saltburn (which, to be fair, is influenced by The Talented Mr Ripley). Specifically, the dance scenes to electro beats in this new production draws a parallel.

Ripley really lets loose, just like Barry Keoghan famously does in his final dance around the manor house grounds, as his character Oliver triumphs, seizing the Saltburn estate. We felt the same mix of intrigue and disgust when watching Ripley’s dance. It’s safe to say that any fans of Saltburn will love this production.

Set designer Elizabeth Gadsby and costume designer Emma White also deserve a round of applause, as they manage to perfectly encapsulate that dreamy Euro summer vibe that young Australians obsess over. Soft lights, yellow umbrellas, loose linen shirts and salmon trousers all convey that effortlessly chic style that makes the life Dickie leads even more tantalising.

The Talented Mr Ripley runs at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until September 28 before heading to Melbourne, so whatever age you are (but particularly if you’re under 30), grab your tickets and get to Walsh Bay while you can.

The Talented Mr Ripley

Where: Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000.
When: Until Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Price: Tickets from $38.

Book your tickets here.