The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical for Sydney Fringe
The cast for the Sydney-debut of The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical at the 2023 Sydney Fringe Festival has been announced. The production plays at the Sydney Spiegeltent, in the Spiegeltent Festival Gardens (Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park) from September 1st to October 1st.
Ben Clarke (The Ten Tenors, Handa’s The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Magic Flute for Opera Australia) takes on the titular role of John Merrick, ‘The Elephant Man.’ Stepping into the sensible, non-slip surgical shoes of Nurse Hope, The Marvellous Elephant Man’s love interest - is rising musical theatre star, Annelise Hall, who will also star as Sandy in the Melbourne production of Grease later this year.
From Baz Luhrmann's production of La Bohème on Broadway, The Merry Widow, The Mikado, Die Fledermaus, and Sweeney Todd, to name a few, Kanen Breen rounds out the cast. Donning the dastardly upper class hauteur of the story’s arch-antagonist, Dr Treves.
Taking on the role of The Ringmaster (plus multiple other characters) is Marc Lucchesi of the funk fusion band Vaudeville Smash. Marc has the additional distinction of being one of the three Australian musicians who wrote and composed The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical.
The production also features an ensemble cast including Eleanor MacIntyre, Jayan Nandagopan, Sam Harmon and Lachlan Bartlett. The team will take centre stage to immerse Sydney-siders in this dark, gothic fairytale.
Co-directed by Christopher HF Mitchell and the Olivier Award-winning, West End and Broadway director Guy Masterson, the creative team behind the production features Wayne Pashley as the Sound Designer, Roberto Surace as the Set and Costume Designer, Rachel Nankin and Phoebe Clark as Associate Designers, and Michael Topple as the Casting Director. Eden Read is choreographer, and Sarah Nandagopan, along with Jayan Nandagopan, contributes as the Musical Director and Composer.
Co-directors Chris Mitchell and Guy Masterson, are delighted to be working with such a talented ensemble. Mitchell expresses his admiration, stating, "The talent and dedication of the entire cast is truly awe-inspiring. Each member brings a unique energy and passion to their role, elevating the production to new heights." Masterson echoes this sentiment, adding, "Working with a cast of this calibre is an absolute joy. Their collective artistry and commitment to storytelling have brought an unparalleled depth and authenticity to the show. Sydney is in for a treat.”
Follow @marvellouselephantman and @sydneyspiegeltent on socials to stay up to date with the latest news and cast announcements.
Dates: 1 September - 1 October 2023
Venue: Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park
Click here to read our review of the Adelaide Fringe season.
Photographer: Paul Scott
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