The Silence of the Lambs at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh****
It’s been 35 years since Anthony Hopkins first terrified us with his portrayal of the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the film The Silence of the Lambs.
But that image is as graphic today as it was then, so much so that, as I made my way to see Gina Gionfriddo’s new, stage version of the Thomas Harris classic, when someone told me not to forget to order Chianti and fava beans for the interval, I felt sick.
The 1991 film is a hard act to follow, not least because, on film, there are special effects, close-ups and real locations. But then, theatre is live, and Michael Taylor’s subtly changing and imaginative set does much to create the right atmosphere for Hannibal the Cannibal to walk among us – well, not quite among us but he’s close enough, maybe too close!
As Lecter, the largely musical theatre star (and long term resident of EastEnders) John Partridge has already attracted lots of publicity, and he certainly looks the part with his sleeked back hair, mannerisms and just the hint of an accent. But it wasn’t until the second act that I found his presence really chilling.
What makes this production special is Millie Gallagher who, as trainee FBI agent Clarice Starling, is making her professional stage debut having had just one job since leaving drama school, that of Roy Cropper’s niece in Coronation Street. Although I wouldn’t say she makes the role her own. She plays the part very much like her predecessor Jodie Foster, but that’s no bad thing. She is quietly confident, remaining somewhat detached, and tackles an American accent full on when she is sent to quiz Lecter about Buffalo Bill, another serial killer who skins his victims.
Which leads us to another stand-out performance: Sam Jackson as Jame Gumb, or Buffalo Bill, really makes his presence felt as he prowls the stage, dressed only in underpants or coats… made of human skin! Whether moving stealthily or behaving manically, he always emits evil.
Each member of the cast brings their character to life under the direction of Nikolai Foster, but particularly convincing is another former soap star Oliver Farnworth, who plays Starling’s boss Jack Crawford with passion, and a truly impressive American accent.
Summing up this greatly anticipated production, I would say the first act is a bit wordy for the horror fans among us looking for some action. But stick around for act two and you will not be disappointed!
Image: Marc Brenner
The Silence of the Lambs is at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh until Sept 12
Box Office: 0131 529 6005
It then continues touring:
Sept 15-19: Theatre Royal Nottingham
Sept 28-Oct 3: Milton Keynes Theatre
Oct 6-10: The Lowry Salford
Oct 12-17: Alhambra Theatre Bradford
Oct 19-24: New Theatre Oxford
Oct 27-31: New Theatre Peterborough
Nov 2-7: New Theatre Hull
Nov 10-14: Grand Opera House Belfast
Nov 24-28: Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin
Jan 5-9: The Alexandra Birmingham
Jan 11-16: The Grand Theatre Blackpool
Jan 26-30: Malvern Theatre
Feb 15-20: Grand Theatre Swansea
Feb 22-27: Storyhouse Chester
Mar 1-6: Theatre Royal Brighton
Mar 9-13: Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells
Mar 15-20: Grand Opera House York
Mar 31-Apr 3: Belgrade Theatre Coventry
Apr 5-10: Richmond Theatre
Apr 12-17: Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
Apr 19-24: Bournemouth Pavilion
Apr 26-May 1: Grand Theatre Wolverhampton
May 4-8: Lyceum Theatre Sheffield
May 10-15: New Theatre Cardiff
May 17-22 Buxton Opera House
May 31-Jun 5: New Victoria Theatre Woking
Jun 15-19: Liverpool Empire
Jun 21-26: Sunderland Empire
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