SILENCE! THE MUSICAL
Above The Stag Theatre, Bressenden Place, SW1
RIDICULOUS, tasteless, vulgar. These are just some of the words that describe this show, though how could it be anything else when it's a musical parody of The Silence of the Lambs.
Containing some jaw-dropping song titles, bad wigs, horrendous overacting and dancing lambs - this is one of the funniest shows I've ever seen.
Tory Ross is a manly, speech-impeded Clarice whose energy never falters during her continued psychological battle with Miles Western's Hannibal Lecter. There is a balance to her hyperactivity in his calm deliverance and gentle uttering of asides like "actually it was Beaujolais".
Fabian Hartwell is striving to be Ted Levine rather than moulding his own Buffalo Bill, yet raises hysterics doing his naked "girl" impression. The all singing and dancing cast struggle at times to pull off songs which need the vocal power that only one or two have, but Tim McArthur and Catherine Millsom deliver some tuneful treats with responsive accompaniment from Bob Broad.
Christopher Gattelli directs the play along the same plot as the film, adding some "helpful hints" and mocking winks to guide Clarice in her investigation. The chorus of hoof-clapping lambs mince in and out of various scenes and swearing for the sake of it is a given. It's all in such poor taste you almost feel guilty for laughing so hysterically. - RUTH O'REILLY
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