The Elephant Man (2023)
Director of the Production - Mr. Barry Hooper
Performances: Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 March 2023, Old Fire Station
Contents
Introduction
Based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A horribly deformed young man, victim of rare skin and bone diseases, he has become the star freak attraction in travelling side shows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to the London Hospital in Whitechapel under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, who introduces him to London society. Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favourite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream; to become a man like any other.
Dramatis Personae
- Dr Frederick Treves, a Surgeon and Teacher - Mr. Hywel Roberts
- Carr Gomm, Administrator of the London Hospital / Manager of the Pinheads - Mr. Nicholas Davidson
- Ross, Manager of the Elephant Man - Mr. Jack King
- Joseph (John) Merrick, the Elephant Man - M. Guillaume Doussin
- Belgian Policeman / Snork, a young hospital porter - Mr. Barney Pike
- Mrs. Madge Kendal - Miss Róisín Deady
- Nurse Sandwich / Duchess - Mrs. Fiona Daffern
- Bishop Walsham How / The Conductor on the Ostend to London Boat Train / Voice at lecture - Mr. Craig Norman
- Lord John, an oily business man / Will, a hospital porter / London Policeman - Mr. Robert Wallis
- Princess Alexandra - Mrs. Abigail Baggili
- Three Pinheads, a Belgian sideshow troupe of low quality - Mrs. Fiona Daffern, Miss Róisín Deady, Mrs. Abigail Baggili
Supporters and contributors to the theatrical production of The Elephant Man
- Assistant Director of the Production - Miss Cerys Baker
- Manager of the Stage - Mrs. Caroline Durant
- Assistant to the Manager of the Stage, Master of Properties and Comptroller of Continuity - Miss Frankie Saunders
- Designer of the Electrical Lighting System - Mr. Robert Callender and Miss Zoe Callender
- Installation of the Electrical Lighting System - Mr. Sean Thomas
- Operator of the Electrical Lighting System - Mr. Dennis Fenton
- Designer of the Aural and Musical Accompaniments - Mr. Adam Crook
- Costumiers - Miss Jessica Osorio, Mrs. Jennifer Bennett and Mrs. Val Williams
- Cosmetician and Wigs - Mrs Lily Ann Green
- Designer of the Setting - Mr. Peter Foster
- Construction of the Setting - Mr. Barry Hooper, Mr. John Winters, Mr. Barry Heselden, Mr. Leon Chambers, Miss Rebecca Law, Mr. Sean Thomas, Mr. Mark Ireson and the entire company of The Elephant Man
- Creator of the Model of St. Phillip's Church - Mr. Daniel Brooks
- Photographic Images - Mr. Philip Gammon
- Representative of the South London Theatre - Mr. Mark Ireson
Reviews
Having had the privilege of seeing the final dress of The Elephant Man, do grab a ticket before it sells out. Ever get that feeling of being on display? John Merrick does. A chilling aesthetic and strong, moving, well-rounded performances make this one to watch.
Greg Williams
Huge well done to all you Elephant men/women/thems!! Loved the show, excellent performances, you should all be very proud! Enjoy the rest of the run! #BEAD
Sarah Pearcey
Really compelling and thought-provoking production of "The Elephant Man" with excellent performances all round. So pleased I managed to catch it
Audrey Lindsay
Such a great show - beautifully grotesque staging of the circus surrounding a "monster". And who are the freaks? Grab a ticket and find out for yourself, but be quick!
Christine Theophilus
That was a very good production of The Elephant Man. The set is very imaginative and an ideal container for the play. the whole company works well together round a very sympathetic John Merrick. We know that we are also voyeurs in his very difficult life but we have paid our money and get what we hope for - a brilliant and enlightening show.
Great performances all round but Joseph Merrick is superbly played
Carole Coyne
Fabulous concept of the circus, beautifully done.
Great performances. Thank you for a great evening in our great theatre!
Janine Wunsche
Yes - a really great production. Loved the whole circus idea - it worked so well with the story. And fab performances. Don't miss it!
Simon Gleisner
Great staging and some wonderful performances. Don't miss out. #bead
Gareth Milton
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.
