Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 15 August 2026
Reviewed by Leanne W
3***
Bringing The Silence of the Lambs to the stage is no small feat, and this production delivers a striking, psychologically driven interpretation that shows clear promise. It approaches Harris’ world with a strong visual identity and a keen sense of why the story endures, reframing its themes of power, gender, and violence for a contemporary audience. The result is a thoughtful and unsettling retelling that commands attention, even as some elements still feel ripe for deeper development. Based on Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel and the 1991 film, Gina Gionfriddo’s new stage adaptation opened at Curve, Leicester, ahead of a UK tour.
Clarice Starling, Mollie Gallagher, an ambitious FBI trainee, is pulled into the hunt for a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill, Sam Jackson. To track him, she must seek insight from the brilliant but imprisoned psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, John Partridge, whose chilling intellect and psychological games force her to confront her own fears. As their uneasy alliance deepens, Clarice races against time to stop a killer before he strikes again.
Partridge delivered a solid, well-measured performance, grounding Hannibal Lecter with poise and control, but he never quite reached the calculating, quietly sinister edge that gives the character his unsettling power. The result was compelling, yet missing the sharper psychological menace that typically defines Lecter.
Mollie Gallagher looked suitable in her role as Clarice Starling but her performance fell short. The over-confident masculine strut and stance; coupled with the persistent, exaggerated hand gestures were distracting and often felt amateurish. Her accent slipped, her volume and diction were inconsistent, and the slow, fumbling “quick draw” drained tension from the closing scenes as she faces ‘Buffalo Bill’.
Sam Jackson brought an aloof, distracted energy to Jame Gumb, and that unsettling detachment made the character’s crimes feel even more despicable. His position for much of the production—perched high above Lecter’s cell—visually reinforced his isolation and the warped distance he maintains from humanity.
The supporting ensemble were excellent in their multi-roles, bringing a wide range of sharply defined characters, each with their own distinct presence. Mark Peachy added welcome flashes of light relief as the entomologist, punctuating the darker moments with well-timed humour.
The standout of the production is Michael Taylor’s set. Its industrial, grimy prison aesthetic transitions seamlessly into multiple locations, with clever touches that consistently elevate the storytelling. Lecter’s cell — doubling as an elevated platform for Gumb — creates an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that anchors the entire piece. George Reeve’s visual projections are striking, heightening the drama throughout, while Carolyn Downing’s sound design and Howard Hudson’s lighting work in tandem to intensify key moments and enrich the overall experience. Props, particularly the prosthetics, are exceptional, adding a gruesome, visceral layer that deepens the production’s darker tone.
Nikolai Foster’s direction is assured and highly effective, making strong use of the staging and maintaining a tight pace throughout. His vision brings clarity and momentum, though a couple of small details missed the mark: from Starling towel-drying her supposedly “wet” hair, which was visibly dry, to an FBI agent aiming only at a staircase rather than the targets with the rest of the team.
The only significant drawback is the reduced stage space, which meant that audience members at the ends of rows occasionally missed action set further back. Combined with the minor directional slips, these moments slightly disrupted an otherwise tightly executed production design.
Overall, this is a strong production with clear potential. The design elements are exceptional and the direction largely assured, creating a compelling atmosphere throughout. With more fully developed lead performances to match the calibre of the production team, the play could evolve into a truly gripping and memorable piece of theatre.