Finding the humour in serial killing and FBI procedure seems a tough call, but Silence! (subtitled ‘The Unauthorised Parody Of The Silence Of The Lambs’) races through that film’s plot with a lively set of musical numbers, impressive and comedic dance sequences and an uncanny ability to strip away the horror for laughs. The humour does descend into the crude at times (it’s very much a late-night show) but the energy of the ensemble cast and a balletic heroine manages to keep things light and playful. Bawdy and boisterous, it consistently aims for the easiest targets.

Hannibal gets to be his iconic sinister self, and cheeky nods to the absurdity of the production gloss over the suspect psychological simplifications of the source. There is no attempt to deconstruct the more troubling themes of the film, rendering Silence! a show that aims for fans of the thriller who are looking for broad humour and a few toe-tapping routines.

Silence! The Musical, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 25 August, 11.15pm; main picture: Mark Snr.