The Elephant Man

A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Elephant Man

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w, 6m

Bernard Pomerance

In 1880s London, John Merrick is a horribly deformed young man – a victim of rare skin and bone diseases. Under the care of celebrated physician Frederick Treves, Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane gentleman, desperate to be recognized as a man like any other.

Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

The Elephant Man

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 6m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography, Docudrama/History
  • Suggested Use
    • Cutting Approved for Competition
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades

  • Winner! 1979 Tony® Award for Best Play
    Winner! 2015 Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Play
    Nominee: Four 2015 Tony® Awards, including Best Revival of a Play
    Nominee: 2015 Drama League Award for Best Revival of a Play
    Nominee: Five 2015 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Revival of a Play

Details

Summary
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man – the victim of rare skin and bone diseases – he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other.
History
The Elephant Man opened on Broadway at The Booth Theatre on April 22, 1979, starring Philip Anglim, Carole Shelley and Kevin Conway under the direction of Jacob Hofsiss. In 2002, the play was revived at Broadway's Royale Theatre, directed by Sean Mathias and starring Billy Crudup, Kate Burton and Rupert Graves. A second Broadway revival, directed by Scott Ellis, opened at the Booth Theatre in 2015, starring Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola.
Keywords
Performing Groups
FREDERICK TREVES – a surgeon and teacher
CARR GOMM – administrator of the London Hospital
ROSS – Manager of the Elephant Man
JOHN MERRICK – the Elephant Man
THREE PINHEADS – three women freaks whose heads are pointed
BELGIAN POLICEMEN
LONDON POLICEMAN
MAN – at a fairground in Brussels
CONDUCTOR – of Ostend-London boat train
BISHOP WALSHAM HOW
PORTER – at the London Hospital
SNORK – also a porter
MRS. KENDAL – an actress
DUCHESS
COUNTESS
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA
LORD JOHN
NURSE, MISS SANDWICH 

No one with any history of back trouble should attempt the part of Merrick as contorted. Anyone playing the part of Merrick should be advised to consult a physician about the problems of sustaining any unnatural or twisted position. 

  • Time Period 19th Century
  • Setting

    1884-1890. London. One scene is in Belgium. 

  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Pomerance's work... brims with intelligence and ideas about human nature and the arbitrariness of life.” – The New York Daily News

“A spectacular delivery system for bravura performances.” – Vulture

“Pomerance's tale showcases the triumph of a very human spirit, personified by the sensitive, almost saintly Merrick.” – Associated Press

“Elegant... [a] carefully arranged, instructive drama.” – The New York Times

ON BREAKING CHARACTER:

Mammoth and Moving: The Elephant Man on Broadway
by Ben Coleman
January 5, 2015

Photos

  • The Elephant Man

    Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The Elephant Man

    Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

Scripts

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