The Silence Of The Lambs Review: a fava-ourable stage play of a classic
- Jack Davey
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
05 August 2026 | 19:00 | Curve Theatre, Leicester (UK Tour)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
One thing the UK theatre scene isn't short of is screen-to-stage adaptations, and new to 2026 comes The Silence Of The Lambs. Although the play's narrative follows Thomas Harris' novel, this stage premiere shares an immediate visual identity with Demme's 1991 film, as we are reminded of its cinematic brilliance. Grab a glass of Chianti (or your preferred drink), get comfortable in your skin, and prepare to relive the iconic psychological thriller all over again.
FBI trainee Clarice Starling is sent to interview imprisoned psychiatrist Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter, in the hopes that his exceptional mind will help them catch the latest serial killer Buffalo Bill.
Granted, knowing the source material makes this production more satisfying. Nikolai Foster's direction revels in creating a sense of nostalgia, utilising theatre's loosened realism to give the story a fresh angle where Buffalo Bill's presence is mightier. Both the structure and script (Gina Gionfriddo) are equally accessible to understand for those new to Harris' writing.
The production's stagecraft is arresting to the senses, particularly Grant Olding's compositions. Upon Hannibal's first entrance, his glass prison slides onstage to sweeping orchestral music, giving it a real majesty. The role of Hannibal Lecter is challenging to convey due to his measured vocal tone and subtle expressions, though John Partridge is suitably unsettling in the role without overdoing it. Especially the way in which his unblinking eyes prey over Clarice, Partridge intimidates with his calm precision.
There is a natural expectation that audiences will compare Clarice to Jodie Foster's steadfast turn in the film. Tonight, Mollie Gallagher has some blindingly strong moments, memorably in the 'screaming lambs' monologue, where her delivery of the text is packed with emotional weight. However, her Clarice is very gestural, often losing the conviction and resilience we know of the character. And she gains occasional laughter from the audience, owing to her unintentionally comic walk/swagger across the stage. It is like a parody of a hyper-masculine man; Gallagher's current physicality is too laboured to appreciate.
Michael Taylor's design really takes advantage of the spectacle. Primarily, the set is constructed of the industrial prison corridor, though quickly doubles up as a motel, office and series of nightclubs, complimented by Howard Hudson's lighting. Including a balcony and additional places of height, Buffalo Bill stalks above the action as an omnipresent force, often watching scenes.
In comparison to the film adaptation, Buffalo Bill (Sam Jackson) is given a lot more scripted agency. We see him converse with his victims, and how he charms the women that he later tortures. Humanising him actually benefits Bill's arc in making his acts more despicable, opposed to a shallow killer (minor spoilers follow).
Bill's motivations have been altered, whereby his (somewhat problematic) gender dysphoria is gone. He now watches repeat videos of his birth mother as a pageant queen, who lost a contest due to her c-section scar from Bill's birth. He is creating a 'mother suit' of women's skin to crawl back inside, still in-keeping with the moth cocoon analogy and reversing the birth cycle.
Oliver Farnworth is a delightfully assured presence as FBI professional Jack Crawford. His authoritative nature carries the narrative along with strength, still finding room for compassion in his mentor/paternal position. Combat scenes are slightly hesitant, though really lean into violence and gore. It isn't a 'jumpy' show, though squeamish viewers may be shrinking in their seats on two occasions!
I hadn't seen the Demme film until two days prior, as I wanted to do my homework before attending! This UK Touring production of The Silence Of The Lambs is an amalgamation of highlights from the film, Harris' novel and new material. Between Partridge (EastEnders), Gallagher (Coronation Street) and Farnworth (Emmerdale), the soap stars align among a hardy wider ensemble. Its most surprising turn is placing Buffalo Bill into the spotlight, with his backstory pivoting the action in a thrilling way.
The Silence Of The Lambs UK Tour Information: https://silenceofthelambsplay.com/
