Review: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, New Theatre Oxford - Tour
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Bringing one of the most iconic psychological thrillers to the stage is no easy task, particularly when its characters are so firmly embedded in popular culture. This new adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs, written by Gina Gionfriddo and directed by Nikolai Foster, delivers an interesting theatrical take on the story, although it doesn’t quite capture the tension or fear you might expect.
The story follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter to track down another murderer, Buffalo Bill, before he claims his next victim. What follows is a psychological game between Clarice and Lecter as she attempts to get inside his mind without allowing him into hers.
John Partridge takes on the formidable role of Hannibal Lecter and gives a good performance. There is a real sense of control in his portrayal, although at times the delivery feels a little too deliberate and carefully placed, rather than entirely natural. Mollie Gallagher is also strong as Clarice Starling, bringing a convincing presence to the role. However, it is Sam Jackson as Buffalo Bill who arguably delivers the standout performance of the evening, creating one of the production’s most memorable characters.
Michael Taylor’s set design is visually striking and makes clever use of the stage, creating an interesting environment for the story to unfold. However, its design occasionally comes at the expense of audience sightlines, with parts of the action obscured, including, rather frustratingly, Hannibal Lecter himself. Howard Hudson’s lighting design is another strong element, helping to establish the darker atmosphere of the piece.
Where the production falls a little short is in its ability to build suspense. For a story so well known for its psychological tension and unsettling nature, there is surprisingly little that feels genuinely frightening. The performances are good and the production looks impressive, but the sense of danger and anticipation never quite reaches the level it needs to. Rather than being on the edge of your seat, you find yourself watching the events unfold without feeling particularly gripped.
Ultimately, The Silence of the Lambs is a good production with some strong performances and impressive design choices, but it lacks the tension needed to make it a truly gripping psychological thriller.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Tara Whenray