Theatre / Review
Review: The Elephant Man, Bristol Old Vic
It’s set in a bygone era, one of freak shows, workhouses and divided societies, but The Elephant Man is as relevant to today’s audience as ever.
Thought-provoking, disturbing and funny at times, the performance of Bernard Pomerance’s multi-award-winning play at Bristol Old Vic is ultimately a stark reflection on humanity, along with all of its flaws.
It is the late 1800s and John Merrick lives a sad, isolated and degrading existence. Physically disfigured since birth and viewed as repulsive to all set eyes on him, he is forced to eke out an existence as a ‘freak show’ under the management of a cruel chancer, who ultimately robs all he has earned and leaves ‘The Elephant Man’ alone and destitute.
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Merrick is taken in by Dr Frederick Treves (Alex Wilson), a surgeon leading an altogether charmed and successful life, who goes on to show his own vulnerability and self-doubt.
He is the first to show Merrick any compassion, yet he views him as a medical curiosity rather than a friend or equal – and therein lies the theme of the play, the way in which we view and treat those perceived to be different.
The set, designed by Caitlin Abbott, is stark, an apt portrayal of Victorian society, and bold print messages are a running theme throughout, serving to narrate and provoke.
Jamie Beddard’s portrayal of Merrick is a stellar performance, capturing the hearts of the audience, but stopping short of seeking pity. All-too-easily dismissed as stupid, he is shown to be not only hugely perceptive, but intelligent, funny and a bit of a romantic at heart.
The annual Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School co-production has become a three-way collaboration with Bristol Old Vic’s new associate company, Diverse City.
Beddard is Diverse City’s co-artistic director and – as a disabled actor – set out to “reclaim the role”, something he achieves with aplomb.
Some of the most touching moments come with the on-screen relationship between Merrick and Mrs Kendal (Grainne O’Mahony), an actress brought in to befriend ‘The Elephant Man’, who goes on to have perhaps the most genuine fondness and rapport with him.
Nuanced, artfully put together and seamlessly delivered, the play has its dramatic moments and casts an insightful and important light on humanity as a whole and how – to this day – people can be marginalised by society.
The audience is transported on a journey through the very different lives of Treves, and his eventual unravelling, and Merrick, and his apparent rise in statue.
It is a poignant and all-too-sudden moment when Merrick decides to end his life, soon bringing the play to a close. The audience is left feeling moved, perhaps frustrated and with plenty to reflect on. Overall an on-stage triumph.
The Elephant Man continues at Bristol Old Vic until Saturday, July 7. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/the-elephant-man.
All photography by Mark Douet
Read more: Interview: Jamie Beddard
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