After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, a revival of the 2005 off-Broadway hit, Silence! returns to London with Tony Award-winning director Christopher Gettelli at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre. Through playful comedy and blatant sexual innuendo, this musical parody of the chilling thriller/novel The Silence of the Lambs gives us the psychological read of rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling that the infamous cannibalistic psychiatrist, Hannibal Lecter, could never as she seeks his help to solve a disturbing serial killer case.

With catchy tunes and bawdy lyrics written by brothers Jon and Al Kaplan, the cast of Silence! deliver a wickedly clever, and delightfully “cunty” exposition of raw talent. Cunty as in very fierce femme; widespread legs and tucked phalli.

Goddamn Clarice Schtarling! is a phrase I’ll be shouting at random for weeks wishing there was some iconic dance routine like that of ‘Rocky Horror’s Time Warp‘ or Chicago’s ‘Cell Block Tango’ to coincide. Much like beloved characters Janet Weiss and Roxie Heart, Silence!’s leading lady Clarice Starling has ambitions and desires that she’s willing to die for, and maybe even kill for.

Phoebe Panaretos (Zorro) is phenomenal in her campy portrayal of Clarice Starling. Whilst brilliantly mimicking Jodie Foster’s southern drawl and consistent accentuated lisp for comedic effect, she maintains the seriousness of her character. Embodying all of the fictional queer icon’s quirks and complexities.

Mark Oxtoby‘s (Guys and Dolls) portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is both chilling and impressive. With his powerful vocals and sinister demeanor, he captures the character’s essence perfectly. For additional flare, Oxtoby plays on Anthony Hopkins’ British identity by incorporating witty references to recent prime ministers and replacing the iconic ‘I ate his liver with fava beans and a nice chianti’ line with a more comedic reference to a sausage roll from Gregg’s.

Beyond the iconic leads, “Silence!” boasts a talented ensemble that brings the story to life. The cast of ten open the show as a wailing chorus of fluffy-eared, and hooved lambs who not only represent Clarice’s deepest fears and internal dialogue but also drive the plot forward. Multi-roling the minor parts, the lambs are instrumental to Gettelli’s choreography and kitschy world-building through simplistic props made surreal. Including a memorable interview scene between Clarice and Hannibal where the two tango from either side of a prison cell plexiglass screen in what feels like a forcibly sensual spar for Clarice. The ‘lambs’ rotate the protagonists’ swivel chairs and humorously hold their dividers and cell bars in place.

This musical offers a diverse range of choreography and musical styles from jazz hands and cabaret, to beautiful ballads coinciding with suggestive ballet. Songs like “If I Could Smell Her Cunt” where Hannibal professes his sentiments for Clarice and his desire for a taste of humanity; “My Daughter Is Catherine” in which Catherine Millsom (Kinky Boots) reaches operatic heights as victim Catherine Martin’s mother Senator Ruth Martin; and “Put The Fucking Lotion In The Basket” where Jake Anthony (Cabaret Le Cirque) who bears all and climbs melodic scales as the trans but woman-hating serial killer Buffalo Bill while making demands to his screeching female victim trapped in a hole. My personal favourites were Paul Ryan (A Christmas Carol) as Clarice’s lost father figure Papa Starling and subsequently her supportive FBI mentor; and Jenay Naima (The Bodyguard Musical) whose Gospel/Rock cameo arguably outshines every other song in the book as Ardelia Mapp; Clarice’s roommate, best friend, and closeted lesbian lover — breaking free from the “Black best friend” trope and coming out centre stage.

Silence! is a celebration of the cult classic film wth a dash of queer pride and female empowerment that turns frightening themes on their head by using satire to explore the complexities of power, desire, and gender dynamics in an entertaining way. With its talented cast, catchy score, and fun approach, this production of Silence! is a must-see for anyone looking for a hilarious and unforgettable theatrical experience.