The Elephant Man

This 1977 play by Bernard Pomerance tells the true story of John Merrick who after years of torment in workhouses and then becoming an exhibit in a Victorian freak show is saved by Dr Frederick Treves; it explores the man behind the deformity.

The staging was simple using only furniture, props and an excellent “freak show” cloth to portray each scene and was sympathetically lit to give the feel of the Victorian era.

When the audience were introduced to John Merrick played by James Errington, it was as a physically fit man, as his disabilities were described by Dr Treves , James contorted his body; his hip dropped, mouth twisted, shoulder hunched and hand clenched, there were no clever prosthetics or make-up used. This change in physical state and a voice distortion was maintained throughout the performance by James and he remained in character the entire show barely leaving the stage, even as some scenes were changed. This was an exceptional performance and a completely believable and emotional interpretation. I was particularly moved by the death scene and John Merrick’s release from his physical restrictions.  As Dr Frederick Treves, Andrew Smith portrayed well the battle of conscience Treves had between his interest in the science and becoming emotionally involved with his patient; there was a convincing friendship between the two characters and a stark contrast in the upright Treves and the physically tortured Merrick. Mrs Kendal an actress and a woman who put aside her fears to befriend Merrick was portrayed by Helen Bowie. Helen had great contrast from the actress side of the character pretending that things didn’t bother her to the genuine sincerity of feeling and friendship she had for Merrick, another superb interpretation. Peter Lynn as Ross the freak show owner gave us a character that was harsh, unfeeling and immoral but also humble when he was begging Merrick to help him and as Carr Gomm, Paul Maddison portrayed a bombastic chairman of the London hospital.  Throughout the play John Merrick is visited by a succession of people from clergy to royalty including a self-confident nurse, Miss Sandwich (Elizabeth Purcell-Smith) ,the Bishop How (Keith Hewison), Snork, a  hospital employee (Aaron Burton),and  Lord John (Geoff Graham) these together with other members of the cast who played multiple roles gave good support.

Congratulations to Clark and his cast for taking this difficult subject matter and handling it with respect, it was certainly thought provoking.

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