The Elephant Man
by Bernard Pomerance

Name: The Elephant Man
Brand: Bernard Pomerance
SKU: 9780573110887
Rating: 4.1 (11178 reviews)

The Elephant Man Book Cover — The Elephant Man Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 minsBritish

What readers are saying

Readers find 'The Elephant Man' to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of human dignity and societal cruelty. Many appreciate its emotional depth, compelling characters, and insightful commentary on physical deformity and acceptance. Several reviews highlight the play's strong writing and its ability to evoke a strong emotional response, making it a memorable experience for readers.

Emotionally gripping and inspiringBeautifully written and engagingThought-provoking and insightfulPowerful exploration of human dignityChoppy scenes can confuse readers

Synopsis

Based on a true story, The Elephant Man tells the tale of John Merrick, a 19th-century Londoner who became a star of the travelling freak show circuit.

When the renowned Dr Teves comes across Merrick during one of his performances, he takes him into his care at the London Hospital.

Here, the legend of the Elephant Man begins to grow, and a beautiful actress named Mrs Kendal arrives, determined to meet the man behind it.

Teves and Kendal enter into a complex friendship with Merrick; torn between a desire to help him experience life, and the cruelties they must inflict in order to protect him.