Matt Damon and Blackheath’s Jude Law starring in Anthony Minghella’s film will be most people’s experience of The Talented Mr Ripley but another Blackheath man’s fascination with the story is bringing fresh life to it in Greenwich.

It is 60 years since Patricia Highsmith’s novel of identity theft, forgery and murder was first published and director Mark Leiacher, who lives in Blackheath, is bringing a new adaptation to Greenwich from September 1 to 5.

His take on the captivating story got strong reviews when it debuted in Euston earlier this year.

He said: “I first encountered the Minghella film in 1999.

“I then read the novel and discovered what a different experience it was from the film and thought how well it might work on stage. I then discovered there was an existing stage adaptation and so I abandoned the idea.”



Years later, Mark read the stage adaptation again and found it a different experience to the novel but again dropped the idea as he established his own theatre company, The Faction.

“But when it came to planning our 2015 Rep Season,” said Mark, “I thought it would be a great show for the ensemble, especially as it was the 60th anniversary of the novel’s publication. The aim was to put the novel on stage as faithfully and dramatically as possible.

“It was an absolute joy to adapt, Highsmith is a genius and I’m very proud of the work. It’s possibly the closest I’ve come to realizing the world of the play as it exists in my head since Mary Stuart in 2012.”

Mark performed at Greenwich Theatre in The Faction’s Prometheus last September. “We love Greenwich,” he said. “In many ways it’s the ideal auditorium for our work – a big, open, epic space that really lets our productions breathe.”

The Talented Mr Ripley is at Greenwich Theatre from September 1 to 5. Tickets cost £18.50 or £16 concessions. Go to greenwichtheatre.org.uk