This is a fantastic show, part of this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival,  which should book out its season at Sydney’s Spiegeltent at the Entertainment Quarter.

The story of the Elephant Man and his struggles through life because of his deformities and the terrible treatment that he received from Dr Treves, in particular,  is well known, most famously by  David Lynch’s highly acclaimed 1980 movie starring John Hurt as the Elephant Man, John Merrick. and Anthony Hopkins as  Dr Treves.

The writers and composers of this new musical  are Marc Lucchest, Sarah Nandagopan and Jason Nandagopan.

The show has been co-directed by  Christopher  HF Mitchell and West End and Broadway director Guy Matterson.

The shows  works well as a musical. Perhaps an unlikely subject matter for a musical but the writers have nailed it. The musical score is good with some stand-out songs with the songs ranging from really loud, belt them out  rock/opera numbers to more poignant ballads.

My favourite feature of the show was its whimsical nature and its embrace of political incorrectness. In an era where political correctness often dictates the boundaries of humour, this play disregards these constraints. The humour in the production is often risque  and politically incorrect, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms with its irreverent jokes and satirical commentary.

The humour  is not only politically incorrect but also genuinely funny. The play employs a variety of comedic devices, from clever wordplay and slapstick humor to witty one-liners and absurd situations.

Whilst the play is irreverent in tone, it is still heartwarming in its core; that with all our quirks and eccentricities, we are all indelibly connected.

All the cast are excellent. Ben Clarke who recently featured in the Handa Phantom of The Opera on Sydney Harbour starred as John Merrick.

Annelise Hall is great as his love interest Nurse Hope. Kanen Breen  was excellent as the  arch villain of the show.

Marc Lucchesi, one of the show’s writers, was excellent in the role of the Ringmaster.

The creative team behind the production was excellent with Wayne Pashley as the Sound
Designer, Roberto Surace as the Set and Costume Designer, Rachel Nankin and Phoebe Clark as Associate Designers.

Highly recommended, MARVELLOUS  ELEPHANT MAN THE MUSICAL is playing the Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park until 1 October 2023