The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical is coming to Melbourne

Get ready to experience the musical event of the year, because the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical is coming to Melbourne’s Chapel off Chapel for one week only after a sell-out run at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe. This show is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, and it’s guaranteed to blow your mind! Produced and co-directed my Chris Mitchell and co-directed by Olivier award winning Guy Masterson, this new, independent Australian piece is one to keep your attention on.

The producers describe the show as a “dark gothic fairytale,” but it’s also a “bawdy Victorian rom-com” that’s a cross between Beauty and the Beast, The Book of Mormon, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Gene Wilder’s Young Frankenstein, all told by Billy Connolly. It’s an original Australian production that’s making waves in the theatre world, and for good reason.

At its core, the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical is about the human condition, and what it means to be different in a world that values conformity. It’s based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man born with severe physical deformities who was exploited as a “freak” in Victorian England. But this musical takes that story and turns it on its head, creating something truly unique and inspiring.

The show is a masterpiece of storytelling, with a script and score written by a team of Melbourne-based professional musicians, including Marc Lucchesi of Vaudeville Smash, Jay Nandagopan, and Sarah Nandagopan. The cast is equally impressive, with Opera Australia’s Ben Clark and Kanen Breen leading the way, along with Annelise Hall and Marc Lucchesi himself. The choreography is tight and imaginative, brought to life by the talented Eden Read.

From the moment the curtains open, you’re transported to a world of wonder and imagination. The freakshow is an irreverent and entertaining opening number that sets the tone for what’s to come. And what’s to come is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, as you follow Joseph Merrick’s journey from being an exploited “freak” to a beloved and respected member of society.

The show is equal parts funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. It deals with themes of love, acceptance, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. It’s a musical that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next, and it’s all brought to life by an incredibly talented cast and crew.

But what sets the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical apart from other musicals is its originality. It’s not based on a famous book, movie, or band. It’s a truly original production that’s breaking new ground in the world of theatre. And that’s something that should be celebrated and supported.

The show’s success at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe, winning the Critics Circle Award for the best show of the fringe is a testament to its originality and quality. And now it’s coming to Melbourne for a one-week only run at Chapel off Chapel. It’s a show that you simply can’t afford to miss.

One of the things that makes the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical so special is its focus on Australian talent. It’s written, produced, and performed by Australians, and it’s a true celebration of our country’s creativity and passion for the arts.

And it’s not just the talent that’s Australian, the show itself is set in Victorian England, but it’s been reimagined through an Australian lens. The result is something that’s both familiar and foreign, and it’s a testament to the show’s creators that they’ve been able to take a well-known story and make it their own.

As someone who’s seen their fair share of musicals, I can say with confidence that the Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s a show that’s equal parts entertaining, thought-provoking, and inspiring.