Back in 2011, long before West End Wilma was born, I saw a little show, off-Broadway called Silence! – a parody musical of the classic cult horror film The Silence Of The Lambs. I remember willing the show to come to London so I could see it again. And now, after a summer run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, it is finally here, at the Turbine Theatre.
Fans of the film will eat up this 80 minute musical with dancing lambs (rare, with very little mint sauce), a nice chianti and a lingering smell of Clarice Starling’s cunt. Those offended by that word should steer well clear of this show as there is a whole song (and several reprises) about it.
Trainee police detective Clarice Starling is tasked with interviewing serial killer Hannibal Lecter in prison to try to solve a case that is currently happening, eerily similar to his work. But if she wants help finding Buffalo Bill before he makes his next kill, she will have to disclose personal stories about her childhood and the lambs that just won’t stop screaming in her head.
Mark Oxtoby is brilliant as Lecter. He plays the part like a crazy psychopath, rather than the sadistic serial killer and cannibal we are used to from the film. I would have liked to see the character directed to be a little more like the Hannibal we all know but for a comedy musical it worked well.
Phoebe Panaretos, as Clarice, portrayed by Jodie Foster in the film, mimics her southern comedy voice perfectly and brings all the comedy required to the role. Jake Anthony as Buffalo Bill is again, perfectly cast, playing the cross dressing monster with a sinister charm and a likeable craziness that makes you think being kidnapped and tortured by him might actually be quite fun.
Tom Giles plays Pembury and many other parts in this ensemble track but stands out in every moment, with a sparkling essence that you can’t help but watch whenever he is on stage.
If you are a fan of the film, then this is a must-see during its short London run at the Turbine Theatre. It was everything I remembered it to be and i just hope I don’t have to wait another thirteen years to see another production.
West End Wilma
