The Elephant Man (play)

For the unrelated 1980 film about Joseph Merrick, see The Elephant Man (film).
The Elephant Man
Written byBernard Pomerance
Characters
  • John Merrick
  • Frederick Treves
  • Mrs. Kendal
  • Carr Gomm
  • Orderly
  • Pinhead
  • Cellist
Date premiered7 November 1977
Place premieredHampstead Theatre
Original languageEnglish
GenreDrama, tragedy
SettingLate 19th century; London, England

The Elephant Man is a play by Bernard Pomerance. It premiered at the Hampstead Theatre in London on 7 November 1977. It later played in repertory at the National Theatre in London.[1] It ran off-Broadway from 14 January to 18 March 1979, at The Theatre of St. Peter's. The production's Broadway debut in 1979 at the Booth Theatre was produced by Richmond Crinkley and Nelle Nugent, and directed by Jack Hofsiss. The play closed in 1981 after eight previews and 916 regular performances, with revivals in 2002 and 2014.

The story is based on the life of Joseph Merrick, referred to in the script as John Merrick, who lived in the Victorian era and is known for the extreme deformity of his body. The lead role of Merrick was originated by David Schofield, in a definitive performance.[2][3] Subsequent productions starred actors including Philip Anglim, David Bowie,[4] Mark Hamill, Bruce Davison, and Bradley Cooper.

  1. ^ "Bernard Pomeranc, Playwright". Alley Theatre. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  2. ^ "David Schofield". filmbug.com. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  3. ^ Rees, Roland (2011). "The Elephant Man". unfinishedhistories.com. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  4. ^ Edelson, Steve (18 February 2002). "David Bowie in The Elephant Man". up-to-date.com. Retrieved 19 June 2008.