The Elephant Man (2008)
Directed by Anton Krause
Performances: Tue 2nd – Sat 6th September 2008, Bell Theatre
Contents
Introduction
The true story of Joseph ‘John’ Merrick, born with hideous physical deformities into a Victorian Britain which in turns spurned and exploited him. The play opens with Merrick being exhibited to gawping strangers as a circus freak and moves on to tell of his relationship with Dr Frederick Treves who takes him in and cares for him at the London Hospital. Treves soon finds that there is a sensitive and intelligent human spirit beneath the horrifying exterior and introduces Merrick to the great and the good of Victorian society. But is he simply exhibiting him to a new set of thrill seekers?
This touching and sensitive play garnered numerous awards both in London and New York when first produced in 1979. Very different from the famous film version with John Hurt, Merrick is portrayed with no prosthetics or make-up whatsoever.
Auditions
- Sunday 11th May, 6-8pm (Rehearsal Room)
- Monday 12th May, 8-10pm (Prompt Corner)
- Tuesday 13th May, 8-10pm (Bell Theatre)
Cast
- John Merrick - Despite having spent the majority of his life in either a workhouse or freak-show Merrick is charming and witty with an almost child-like sense of wonder. This is a demanding and physical part as Merrick’s deformities are all portrayed without make-up. Twenties –thirties.
- Dr Fredrick Treves - The surgeon and teacher at The London Hospital who rescues Merrick from his life in the freak-show. Initially a rigid and uncompromising Victorian gentleman he finds his life and outlook changed by his association with Merrick. Early thirties.
- Mrs Kendal - An actress who befriends Merrick, she is not at all repulsed by his physical appearance and makes frequent visits, becoming an important part of his life. Twenties-late thirties.
NOTE: Some partial nudity is required for this part. This will be sensitively handled but is essential.
- Carr Gomm - The administrator of the London Hospital where Merrick is housed. Middle aged.
- Ross - Manager of ‘The Elephant Man’ freak-show, he seeks only to profit from Merrick’s deformities. Age flexible.
- Snork - a hospital porter
- Miss Sandwich - a nurse
- Pinheads - Three circus freaks. Doubled with the other female characters.
- Bishop Walsham How, Duchess, Countess, Lord John, Conductor, Policeman. Members of London society and other sundry characters.
Crew
- Stage Manager - SM Name
- Lighting Design - Designer Name
- Lighting Operator - Operator Name
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
Members are encouraged to write about their experiences of working on or seeing this production. Please leave your name. Anonymous entries may be deleted.
See Also
References
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