Silence! The Musical, the unauthorized parody of the Academy Award-winning film The Silence of the Lambs, is set to take Edinburgh Fringe by storm this summer. We caught up with Mark Oxtoby and Phoebe Panaretos, who play the iconic roles of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling, to discuss their excitement for the show and what audiences can expect.
The musical, which combines whip-smart dialogue, shocking songs, and over-the-top performances, has been a hit with audiences since its off-Broadway premiere in 2005. Now, it’s making its way to the Edinburgh Fringe, and both actors are thrilled to be part of the production.
“It’s the first script I’ve read in a long time that has had me guffawing out loud,” Mark Oxtoby shares enthusiastically. “I mean, I’ve got quite a dark sense of humour anyway. But it’s just brilliantly, I mean, honestly, it’s glorious. Like if it was food, it would be the deepest, richest chocolate ever.”
Phoebe Panaretos echoes this sentiment, recalling her first encounter with the script: “I think I was like four pages in and I was just like, keeled over, laughing myself. Like, it’s absolutely hilarious.”
Both actors are acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with portraying such iconic characters. Oxtoby reflects on the challenge, saying, “I think you know, you have a responsibility to, obviously, not only the show itself but to the name of the film and to those characters.” He adds, “I think there are always certain markers that you’ve got to touch on within reason, obviously, nobody, I don’t think expects you to do a like for like impression.”
Panaretos, who takes on the role of Clarice Starling, shares her excitement about the character: “I love the film, I remember being scared of it when I was younger. But it was such an iconic moment for Jodie Foster and her career.” She adds, “I think, yeah, there are just lines and scenes within the film that you know, I think, have stood the test of time and people remember and quote.”
The show promises to be a unique experience for audiences, blending the horror of the original story with musical comedy. “If you imagine that Team America and Book of Mormon had a baby, you’re sort of halfway there,” Oxtoby laughs.
Both actors are looking forward to their time at the Edinburgh Fringe. For Panaretos, it will be her first time at the festival. “I’ve never been, I’ve heard lots about it. And anyone I’ve come across, because I haven’t been in the UK for too long. But anyone that I’ve met, and I’ve gotten to know over here is like, oh my gosh, you’re gonna have the best time. It’s like a rite of passage,” she says excitedly.
Oxtoby adds, “Do yourself the biggest favour and come and spend an hour with us. And we will make you forget your name, where you live, what’s happening in the world, and you will laugh until you cry.”
Silence! The Musical runs from July 31st to August 26th (not 13th) at 23:15 in the Underbelly (Cowbarn), Bristo Square. With its blend of horror, comedy, and catchy tunes, it promises to be the perfect final showstopper for a day of theatre at the Fringe.
