This is an unauthorised parody musical of the classic film – Silence of The Lambs. Having never seen the film, I had no idea what to expect from this show, but I was delighted at the presentation and though I think a couple of the jokes went over my head due to my lack of knowledge about the source material, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the show. For anyone like me with no clue what to expect, the story follows young FBI hopeful Clarice when she is sent to persuade notorious cannibal Hannibal Lecter to assist them with another case to find Buffalo Bill – a man who kidnaps women. 

Written by Jon and Al Kaplan in 2005, this show has it all; tap dancing lambs, psychotic serial killers and absurdity! Having read up on the original story, it is clear this show follows the original plot closely just adding some original songs and comedy to lighten the tone of the thriller. 

There was only one thing I didn’t enjoy about this show, one song in particular stood out due to it’s nature. We learn Buffalo Bill prefers a plus size woman to kidnap and there is a song around this. Within the song it mentions phrases such as ‘Weighs a ton’ and then declares that a ‘larger lady’ is a size 14. The song does nothing to move the plot along, and I would suggest there are other ways to convey the message that Bill chooses a certain body type instead of using language that pushes a narrative of women being a size 14 as plus size. 

The cast is simply outstanding in this show.  Phoebe Panaretos leads the ensemble as Clarice, bringing a hilarious naivety to the role. Phoebe has enviable vocal skills, her voice leaves the audience stunned. Her physicality in the role is hilarious and she really brings the character to life here. 

Lecter is played by Mark Oxtoby.  He has a brilliant skill of being menacing while also dialling up the humour and has the audience rolling in the aisles with his comic timing and characterisation of Lecter. His scenes with Clarice are a highlight of the show. 

The entire ensemble bring this piece together, all multi-rolling as Police Officers, murderers, kidnapped women and of course – Lambs. Particular standouts are Jake Anthony as Buffalo Bill, a creepy serial killer with a penchant for female attire. Jake delights in this role, leaning into the creepy side of it and making it feel uncomfortable at times exactly in the way it should. 

Designer Scott Pask has done an incredible job of bringing this piece to life on a fringe budget. The costumes feel well thought out and the overall design of the piece is dark and dingy to add to the darkness of the material. 

This show is a standout at Edinburgh Fringe, it’s original and enjoyable. With some small tweaks around the language used within, it would be the easiest 5 stars any reviewer has given. 

This show was reviewed on the 18th August 2024 at Underbelly (Cowbarn), Bistro Square, Teviot Place, Edinburgh where it runs until the 25th August 2024.

Review written by Rosie Browne

AD/Gifted

Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.