TOM Ripley is talented and now he is taking to the stage of the Dukes Theatre.

Ripley is the ambiguous, charming villain in Patricia Highsmith's iconic series of novels who has fascinated readers since he first appeared in 1955.

He has also inspired film makers for more than four decades, most recently in Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr Ripley and Liliana Cavani's Ripley's Game with Matt Damon and John Malkovich respectively.

Now, Phyllis Nagy's inventive stage adaptation gives us a deeper insight into Tom Ripley's character.

The Talented Mr Ripley is more than a murderous thriller - it submerges you into a heart of darkness and a mentality of calculated malevolence.

When Tom Ripley (Peter Prentice) arrives in Italy to locate Dickie Greenleaf (Piers Ronan), as requested by Mr and Mrs Greenleaf (Mario Vernazza and Gilian Cally), he discovers a new life, one that he always believed was rightfully his.

Completing the cast, Toby Hadoke will play Freddie Miles, Elizabeth Jasicki will play Marge and Leigh Kelly will play Reddington.

Designed by Terry Brown, the set evokes 1950s Italy with an added sense of foreboding. The music is written by Fitz and the superb cast is directed by Ian Hastings.

The Talented Mr Ripley will be a spellbinding night at the theatre. It opens tomorrow (Friday) evening and runs until November 20.

For ticket details call the Dukes box office on 01524-598500.