Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s The Elephant Man completely captivated the audience as it took them through the tragic and emotional life of ‘John Merrick.’
The play is based on the real-life story of a man named Joseph Merrick (Sheldon Paul), who lived in London, England, during the Victorian Era. However, Merrick suffers from a mystery disease that leaves him with an enlarged head, misshapen hands, and bulges of extra skin that leave him unable to support himself. At a young age he is abandoned by his mother and then exploited for money by a malicious man named Ross (Drew Torresan), who charges people to view Merrick in his freak show. When Merrick is no longer of use to Ross, he sends him away with no money or place to go.
A doctor from the London Hospital, Dr. Frederick Treves (Kevin MacDonald), saves Merrick and provides him with a home. It is there where Merrick is free of the stigma has has faced his entire life due to his condition, finally experiencing friendship, kindness, and love. The story takes the audience on an emotional journey and teaches important lessons about judgements and ableism.
What truly brings this story to life is Paul’s portrayal of John Merrick. Although a difficult role to play, Paul was amazing, he perfectly conveyed the physical and psychological aspects of the character. Merrick walks with a limp and cannot use his deformed right hand, and Paul’s actions effectively conveyed the nature of Merrick’s condition. Not only this but Paul flawlessly performed Merrick’s speech—due to his swollen lip, he could barely talk, and his performance reflected the struggle Merrick faced throughout his life from society.
Paul brings Merrick to life. He conveys the complex character in all the right ways. He provides the audience with a person that everyone can relate to. He displays the sadness and ugliness of society, but also the curiosity and goodness.
But, this production could not be successful without the strength of each of the other characters. MacDonald and Torresan both convince the audience of the authenticity of their roles. They bring an intensity to their characters that allows them to come to life. Lauren Stiers also gives power and strength to the female character F.C. Carr-Gomm, the administrator at the hospital.
This play brings the audience on an emotional journey, taking them through horrible moments in Merrick’s life, but also beautiful ones. Director Mary Sword has created some stunning scenes that convey rich, complex feelings and situations. The audience remained captivated throughout the entire production, waiting to see where the next part of Merrick’s life would lead them.
At some moments, the tension was so thick it seemed that every member of the audience had taken one collective breath, and were holding it, not daring to break the silence. It was in these moments when it felt as though everyone was right in that hospital room with Merrick, as if his story was really unfolding on stage. There were also moments of release, times when everyone in the audience was laughing at a joke.
Somber, inspiring and thought-provoking—this Sock ‘n’ Buskin show was a must-see. They definitely did not miss the mark with this final production.
Photo provided
