The Silence of the Lambs
This is a new adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs, written by Gina Gionfriddo and directed by Nikolai Foster, based on Jonathan Demme’s 1991 film, which in turn was based on Thomas Harris’ novel.
Now, I’m not usually a fan of horror or jump scares, so for me, this definitely took me out of my comfort zone. But I’m pleased to say I coped, and actually enjoyed this play!
We follow rising star FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned and psychopathic serial killer Hannibal Lecter to track down another murderer, Buffalo Bill, before he claims his next victim. This is a game of “cat and mouse”, with Clarice trying to get information without giving anything personal away to Lecter.
All the performances are good. John Partridge takes on Hannibal Lecter, and positively arrives on the stage, and right through to his entry at the curtain call, he gives a very controlled, menacing, but powerful performance. His first appearance in his cell, is definitely a ‘wow’ moment.
Mollie Gallagher as Clarice Starling is also very effective. She has the ‘Jodie Foster accent’ but it never strays into caricature. This is a remarkable professional stage debut for Mollie.
Sam Jackson gives a very memorable performance as Buffalo Bill, as does Lottie Amor, playing a couple of his victims, particularly as feisty Catherine Martin.
Special mention must go to Michael Taylor for his set design which is visually very striking, and inventive. I particularly liked the doubling up of Hannibal’s cell with the staircase up to Bill’s ‘lair’.
Under Nikolai Foster’s direction, the cast work well together, and I often felt like the direction was almost choreographed, in a really effective way by Foster, such was the control.
This production definitely makes a 1990s statement, from the shoulder pads to the music. I liked the design, and I thought the fluttering moths were very effectively used.
Overall, I thought this was an imaginative staging, that made for an unsettling watch. But for a psychological thriller, like Clarice, it hit its mark.
This show was reviewed on the 19th October 2026 at the New Theatre Oxford where it runs until the 24th October 2026. Tickets available here: The Silence of the Lambs Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets
Full tour details here: The Silence of the Lambs UK Tour
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit :Marc Brenner
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