Oldbury Rep will stage Bernard Pomerance's The Elephant Man, the play based on John Merrick's struggle to be treated like other men. The production opens at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 7, with further performances each night at 7.30pm between Monday, November 9 and Saturday, November 14.
Story of John Merrick
Set in 1880s London, the play follows a young man with rare skin and bone diseases who becomes a freak attraction in travelling sideshows. At one point, Merrick was found abandoned and helpless, before celebrated physician Frederick Treves admitted him to London's Whitechapel Hospital.
Under Treves's care, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly develops into an urbane and witty favourite of aristocrats and literary figures. Despite this, he is denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.
Notable productions and adaptations
The Elephant Man opened at the Booth Theatre on April 19, 1979, starring Philip Anglim, Carole Shelley and Kevin Conway. A 2002 revival starred Billy Crudup, Kate Burton and Rupert Graves, while a second revival opened in 2015 with Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola.
The play was also made famous by David Lynch's 1980 film adaptation, which starred John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon and Freddie Jones.
Tickets and pricing
Tickets cost £12 between November 7 and November 11, with costs rising to £15 (£12 concession) for the remainder of the run at Oldbury Rep.
