The Marvellous Elephant Man: The Musical, currently gracing the Sydney Spiegeltent as part of the Sydney Fringe, offers a unique and somewhat quirky take on the classic tale of Joseph Merrick. While it may not achieve greatness, it undeniably provides an entertaining night out with its peculiar charm.
The show’s plot follows the life of John Merrick, a man afflicted with severe physical deformities, who Dr. Frederick Treves take in. As the story unfolds, we witness the challenges and triumphs Merrick faces as he navigates a world that misunderstands and marginalises him. The narrative successfully reminds us of the importance of acceptance and human compassion.
Credit is due to the co-directors, Chris HF Mitchell and Guy Masterson, for their commendable efforts in bringing this unconventional musical to life. Their direction allows the audience to immerse themselves in the peculiar world of the Elephant Man, creating an eerie and captivating atmosphere.
The tight band, led by Sarah Nandagopan, provides a solid musical foundation for the production. Their accompaniment complements the peculiar and often haunting melodies, enhancing the overall experience.
Annelise Hall shines in her portrayal of Nurse Hope, bringing a sense of empathy and warmth to her character. Marc Lucchesi, who takes on the role of the Ringmaster and various other characters, adds a layer of theatricality to the production with his versatile performance.
Ben Clark’s portrayal of John Merrick, the Elephant Man himself, is noteworthy for his incredible vocals. His singing talents give life to Merrick’s character and make his emotional journey all the more compelling. However, some of Merrick’s character development could have been more finely tuned to capture the audience’s sympathy fully.
However, Kanen Breen’s portrayal of Dr. Frederick Treves stands out as a highlight of the show. Breen’s interpretation of the character is both creepy and enticing, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal. His performance adds depth to the narrative and leaves the audience pondering the character’s motivations.
The Marvellous Elephant Man: The Musical occasionally drags in sections, but it nonetheless delivers an enjoyable night of entertainment. The show’s ability to shed light on the importance of acceptance and compassion is a valuable takeaway, reminding us that even the most extraordinary circumstances can reveal the beauty of the human spirit. I’ve never seen a bad show in any Spiegeltent, and this show is no exception.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world trying new gin. Follow him on all the socials @talldancraig
The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical runs for 2 hours 20 mins (with 20 min interval) and plays at the Sydney Spiegeltent, Spiegeltent Festival Garden through 01 October 2023. Tickets are available through Sydney Fringe.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of the IP Publicity.
Image credit: Paul Scott.
