Ladies and gentlemen, roll up, roll up! It's almost show time at Spiegeltent Festival Garden and this year, the award-winning cabaret musical comedy, The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical, is coming to town. Fresh from sell-out seasons in Melbourne and Adelaide (where it received the Critics Circle Award), this must-see spectacle is sure to steal the show as the headline act of the 2023 Sydney Fringe Festival. Now it’s your chance to experience the magic and madness of The Marvellous Elephant Man, as it premieres in Sydney from September 1 to October 1.
Heralded by critics as "Beauty and the Beast meets Book of Mormon", this captivating theatrical tale tells the story of Joseph Merrick, a professional ‘freak’ known as the Elephant Man. Audiences will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they follow his outrageous misadventures and fights to overcome prejudice and prove that love conquers all. Throughout the show, you’ll also meet the villainous and megalomaniacal medical mastermind, Dr Treeves, who rivals Mr Merrick for the affections of the lovely Nurse Hope.
Co-directed by Olivier-award-winning Broadway director, Guy Masterson, and acclaimed filmmaker, Chris Mitchell, The Marvellous Elephant Man boasts an all-star cast of musical theatre talent. Ten Tenors singer Ben Clark (The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, The Magic Flute) will take centre stage as John Merrick; Opera Australia veteran Kanen Breen (La Bohème, The Merry Widow, The Mikado, Sweeney Todd) will play the dastardly Dr Treves; and rising star Annelise Hall (Sandy in the upcoming Grease national tour) will step into the surgical shoes of Nurse Hope.
Co-director, Chris Mitchell said, “The Marvellous Elephant Man is a delightfully-irreverent, and remarkably-inaccurate musical that reminds people why they fell in love with musicals in the first place.”
He continues, “With the iconic Sydney Spiegeltent as our new home, the stage has been set for the best-ever showings of the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical. Audiences should expect a theatrical feast for the senses, with astonishing choreography, awe-inspiring set design and a brilliant, internationally-acclaimed ensemble of performers.”
So, round up your musical mates and your comical crew and book tickets for a hilarious night of singing and dancing at the Sydney Spiegeltent Garden in the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Stall tickets start at $49, but you can also get fancy with premium ringside seats, cabaret tables and private booths.