Coronation Street legends gathered at The Lowry on Tuesday evening to support former co-stars Mollie Gallagher and Oliver Farnworth in the touring production of The Silence of The Lambs. The play, adapted from Thomas Harris's novel, runs at the Salford theatre until Saturday, October 10.
David Neilson, known to millions as Roy Cropper, Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby), and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) were among the recognisable faces spotted at the launch. The audience experienced a goosebump-inducing adaptation of the revered novel.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story
The creative team, led by director Nikolai Foster, has said the production focuses more on the original literary work than the film and TV versions, though fans of the 1991 Oscar-winning film are well catered for. Set in 1983, Farnworth's Agent Jack Crawford assigns academy rookie Gallagher's Clarice Starling the task of coaxing information from detained psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter.
Former EastEnders star John Partridge plays the iconic cannibalistic character, who is incarcerated for much of the play. The scenes between Lecter and Starling are tension-laden and engrossing, with an undercurrent of tortured romance just below the surface.
Strong Performances and Chilling Moments
Both main actors rise to the challenge of matching Oscar winners Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, delivering captivating performances. Gallagher brings Starling's desire and determination to the fore, complete with the southern American drawl. Partridge's Lecter is menacing yet deeply polite, causing more than one audience member to jump in their seats.
Michael Taylor's costume and set designs provide a desolate, eerie touch as Starling seeks Lecter's help in capturing the elusive Buffalo Bill, portrayed by Sam Jackson. The production uses 1980s needle drops, including The Police's Every Breath You Take and Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun, to reflect the era.
A Worthy Addition to Horror Theatre
The play's make-or-break moment, Lecter donning his iconic muzzle, is well-presented and leaves the audience unnerved. Following the success of horror theatre hits like 2:22 - A Ghost Story and Ghost Stories, this newcomer proves a worthy addition. The Silence of The Lambs delivers chills and a fair share of flesh, making it a doctor's appointment worth keeping—just don't get too near.
