A chilling game of cat and mouse will soon unfold on stage in Milton Keynes.

The Silence of the Lambs, the iconic psychological thriller, will make its world stage debut in autumn 2026 as part of a major UK and Ireland tour, with a stop at Milton Keynes Theatre from September 28 to October 3.

The new stage adaptation, written by acclaimed playwright and television writer Gina Gionfriddo, brings Thomas Harris’ dark and gripping story to life under the direction of Nikolai Foster.

Gina Gionfriddo, playwright, said: "Thomas Harris’ novel speaks so eloquently to the interior terrors that fuel his iconic characters – both the monsters and the heroes who slay them.

"What a privilege it has been to bring these stories to the stage."

The story follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of the brilliant but dangerous Dr Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill.

As time runs out and another victim is in danger, Clarice faces the difficult choice of whether to keep her distance or allow the notorious 'Hannibal the Cannibal' inside her mind.

The stage adaptation promises to capture the psychological intensity and complex relationship between Clarice and Lecter.

Thomas Harris’ quartet of Lecter novels, Red Dragon (1981), The Silence of the Lambs (1988), Hannibal (1999) and Hannibal Rising (2006) have sold over 50 million copies worldwide and have influenced countless modern thrillers.

Harris’ four novels have been adapted into multiple films and TV adaptations featuring acclaimed performances by Brian Cox, Anthony Hopkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore and directorial masterclasses by Jonathan Demme and Ridley Scott.

The stage premiere is produced by Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live, in association with Curve.

James Lane and Ed McGovern, producers for Indigo Productions and Crossroads Live, said: "We are deeply honoured to have been entrusted with Thomas Harris’ seminal story and iconic characters.

"Gina and Nikolai have crafted something truly thrilling for the stage, and we cannot wait to welcome audiences into Hannibal Lecter’s cell to witness it first hand for the very first time."

The full creative team and cast will be announced at a later date.

Tickets are on sale online.