Overview

Synopsis

The script is based upon the life of Joseph Merrick, a man so physically deformed that he became known as the “Elephant Man.” With very few options open to him, Merrick (whose first name is John in Pomerance’s play) is forced to display himself to the public in travelling sideshows. Eventually, however, he finds himself alone and destitute in London. Due to the kindness of one Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick is soon admitted into the London Hospital for care and observation. Treves becomes determined to help Merrick lead a normal life, and Merrick soon becomes the toast of society. In the end however, John Merrick, The Elephant Man, finds that normality isn’t something he can achieve, or that he even necessarily wants.

Show Information

Book
Bernard Pomerance
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1977
Genres
Drama, Romance, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
1884-1890, london, belgium
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Mature Audiences, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Mrs. Kendall

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Dr. Frederick Treves

Lead

Male

Spoken

John Merrick

Lead

Male

Spoken

Carr Gomm

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Ross

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Belgian Policeman

Featured

Male

Spoken

Conductor

Featured

Male

Spoken

Snork

Featured

Male

Spoken

Nurse Sandwich

Featured

Female

Spoken

Princess Alexandra

Featured

Female

Spoken

Duchess

Featured

Female

Spoken

Pinhead #2

Featured

Female

Spoken

Countess

Featured

Female

Spoken

Pinhead Manager

Featured

Male

Spoken

English Policeman

Featured

Male

Spoken

Will - A Porter

Featured

Male

Spoken

Lord John

Featured

Male

Spoken

Will

Featured

Male

Spoken

Bishop Walsham How

Featured

Male

Spoken

Pinhead # 1

Featured

Female

Spoken

Pinhead #3

Featured

Female

Spoken

Barkers, Crowd, Announcers, Orderlies

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Tragedy

    A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release. Categories: Dramatic Genre, Greek Theatre, Themes

    Victorian

    Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.

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Guide Written By:

Jenn Chandler

Jenn Chandler