The Marvellous Elephant Man: The Musical

Joseph Merrick, better known as the Elephant Man, is an outcast. He survived circus ‘freak shows’ and the revulsion of a gawking public for years until a young doctor offered him asylum at the London Hospital in 1879.

Described by The Beat as ‘The Book of Mormon meets Beauty and the Beast’, The Marvellous Elephant Man tells a gripping tale of love, connection and the human condition.

The Marvellous Elephant Man received more than a dozen five-star reviews at Adelaide Fringe 2023 before winning the coveted Critics Circle Award at the end of the season earlier this year.

Follow the story’s protagonist through a journey of self-realisation, transforming from humble sideshow freak to the toast of high society and unlikely hero when forced to face his greatest fears to rescue his one true love in this modern, fairytale retelling of the enigmatic life of Joseph Merrick (John Merrick in the show).

Brace yourself for an evening of tears and joy as you ride the highs and lows of a truly unique story that intersects struggle, perseverance and kindness in a head on collision resulting in gut-wrenching laughter before slapping you on the wrist for finding humour in such darkness.

The Marvellous Elephant Man brings a collective powerhouse of prolific talent from an internationally acclaimed group of producers and performers.

Arriving at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival on 18 April, the drama-filled script will be brought to life on stage at The Chapel off Chapel by Kanen Breen (Opera Australia/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Ben Clark (Phantom of the Opera/Ten Tenors), Annelise Hall and Ellie MacIntyre (Friends The Musical Parody) and co-writer Marc Lucchesi, front man of the internationally acclaimed Vaudeville Smash.

The musical features the talents of Julliard-trained ex-New York musical theatre composers Jayan and Sarah Nandagopan, Oscar-winning sound designer Wayne Pashley, Olivier award-winning West End director Guy Masterson, and Melbourne based award-winning film director Chris Mitchell.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a perfect destination for The Marvellous Elephant Man explains Director, Chris Mitchell.

“Since first starting conversations around The Marvellous Elephant Man, the script and concept received attention from some seriously renowned industry talent. We knew we were creating something special from the beginning.”

The Marvellous Elephant Man will run at The Chapel off Chapel in Prahran for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from 18 April to 23 April.

Purchase tickets via Comedy Festival or Chapel off Chapel.

Read Stage Whispers’ review by Barry Hill OAM - https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/marvellous-elephant-man-musical

Images: Paul Scott Photography