The true story of Joseph ‘John’ Merrick, born with hideous physical deformities into a Victorian Britain which in turns spurned and exploited him. The play opens with Merrick being exhibited to gawping strangers as a circus freak and moves on to tell of his relationship with Dr Frederick Treves who takes him in and cares for him at the London Hospital. Treves soon finds that there is a sensitive and intelligent human spirit beneath the horrifying exterior and introduces Merrick to the great and the good of Victorian society. But is he simply exhibiting him to a new set of thrill seekers?
This touching and sensitive play garnered numerous awards both in London and New York when first produced in 1979. Very different from the famous film version with John Hurt, Merrick is portrayed with no prosthetics or make-up whatsoever.
Although there are 16 or more characters in the play many of them are doubled. Only the actor playing Merrick will not play multiple parts and I am looking for a cast of 7 or 8 (3 female). This is very much an ensemble piece requiring a company of dedicated and flexible actors willing to work as a team to produce a challenging and exciting piece of theatre.
Characters John MerrickDespite having spent the majority of his life in either a workhouse or freak-show Merrick is charming and witty with an almost child-like sense of wonder. This is a demanding and physical part as Merrick’s deformities are all portrayed without make-up. Twenties –thirties.
Dr Fredrick TrevesThe surgeon and teacher at The London Hospital who rescues Merrick from his life in the freak-show. Initially a rigid and uncompromising Victorian gentleman he finds his life and outlook changed by his association with Merrick. Early thirties.
Mrs. KendalAn actress who befriends Merrick, she is not at all repulsed by his physical appearance and makes frequent visits, becoming an important part of his life. Twenties-late thirties.
NOTE: Some partial nudity is required for this part. This will be sensitively handled but is essential.
Carr GommThe administrator of the London Hospital where Merrick is housed. Middle aged.
RossManager of ‘The Elephant Man’ freak-show, he seeks only to profit from Merrick’s deformities. Age flexible.
Snork a hospital porterThree circus freaks. Doubled with the other female characters.
Bishop Walsham How, Duchess, Countess, Lord John, Conductor, Policeman. Members of London society and other sundry characters.These are some very exciting opportunities for actors and I look forward to seeing established and new faces at the auditions. Due to the ensemble nature of the play auditions will be more workshoppy than I would normally have them and auditionees will be asked to play multiple (if not all) parts. There may be call-backs for actors auditioning for the Merrick part.
Audition pieces will be in the bar as soon as possible but if you can get hold of, and read, a copy of the full script beforehand this would be useful.
I look forward to seeing you at the auditions.
Anton Krause