Latest update: The Silence of the Lambs is touring the UK and Ireland in a new world-stage-premiere adaptation of Thomas Harris’s novel, with dates running into June 2027. The current cast includes John Partridge as Hannibal Lecter, Mollie Gallagher as Clarice Starling, Oliver Farnworth as Agent Jack Crawford and Sam Jackson as Buffalo Bill.
Latest Update
The production is now on tour after opening at Leicester’s Curve in August 2026. The official tour currently includes a long run of dates across the UK and Ireland, with several especially useful South East stops in 2027 including Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Richmond and Woking.
The Silence of the Lambs Comes to the Stage
This is a new stage adaptation of Thomas Harris’s novel rather than a recreation of the film. The play is written by Gina Gionfriddo and directed by Nikolai Foster, with the production billed as the world stage premiere of The Silence of the Lambs.
Story
FBI trainee Clarice Starling is sent to interview psychiatrist and murderer Hannibal Lecter in the hope that his insight can help the FBI catch another killer, Buffalo Bill. As the search becomes more urgent, Clarice has to decide how far she is willing to let Lecter into her head.
From Thomas Harris to Stage
The Silence of the Lambs began as Thomas Harris’s 1988 novel and later became one of the best-known psychological thrillers on screen. This production takes the story back to the novel as its source material and reworks it for live theatre, which makes it a natural fit for both the horror side of Clarissa’s Corner and my Books & Adaptations coverage.
Cast
- John Partridge — Hannibal Lecter
- Mollie Gallagher — Clarice Starling
- Oliver Farnworth — Agent Jack Crawford
- Sam Jackson — Buffalo Bill
Creative Team
- Adaptation: Gina Gionfriddo
- Director: Nikolai Foster
- Produced by: Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live in association with Curve
UK & Ireland Tour Dates
The official tour currently lists dates from autumn 2026 through June 2027, including Milton Keynes, Salford, Bradford, Oxford, Peterborough, Hull, Belfast, Dublin, Birmingham, Blackpool, Malvern, Swansea, Chester, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, York, Coventry, Richmond, Cheltenham, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton, Sheffield, Cardiff, Buxton, Woking, Liverpool and Sunderland.
London & South East Dates
- Brighton — Theatre Royal: 1–6 March 2027
- Tunbridge Wells — Assembly Hall Theatre: 9–13 March 2027
- Richmond Theatre: 5–10 April 2027
- Woking — New Victoria Theatre: 31 May–5 June 2027
Tickets
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ATG currently sells tickets for a number of the tour venues. Prices, performance times and availability vary by theatre, so check the live booking page for your chosen stop.
Running Time, Age Guidance & Content Information
- Running time: around 2 hours 15 minutes including interval at current ATG venues
- Age guidance: 15+; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult at current ATG venues
The production carries detailed content guidance including threats, violence and murder, very strong language including historically contextual homophobic language, depictions of human remains, sexual references, sexual harassment and violence, flashing lights, haze and loud noises including gunshots.
Accessibility
Accessibility and assisted performances vary by venue. Theatre Royal Brighton, for example, lists access support and upcoming access performances for the production. Check the individual theatre’s access page and the specific performance before booking rather than assuming arrangements are the same across the tour.
Why It’s on My Radar
This one sits right in the sweet spot between theatre, horror and adaptation for me. I’m especially interested in how a story so strongly associated with both the novel and the film works when the tension has to be created live in the room rather than through close-ups, editing and a film score.
Books & Adaptations + Chill & Thrill
If you like the darker side of theatre, have a mooch through Chill & Thrill. And because this production takes Thomas Harris’s novel back to the stage, it also belongs in From Covers to Curtains, where I follow stories as they move between books, film, television and theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Hannibal Lecter?
John Partridge plays Hannibal Lecter in the current touring production.
Who plays Clarice Starling?
Mollie Gallagher plays Clarice Starling.
Is The Silence of the Lambs stage show based on the film?
The production is a new stage adaptation of Thomas Harris’s novel. It is not simply a recreation of the film.
How long is the show?
Current ATG listings give a running time of around 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval.
What age is The Silence of the Lambs stage show suitable for?
Current ATG venues list the production as 15+, with under-16s accompanied by an adult. Check your chosen venue before booking.
Tour dates, casting, performance times and access arrangements can change. Check the official production and venue pages before travelling.
