The Elephant Man (play)

The Elephant Man is a play by Bernard Pomerance. Originally co-produced by Hampstead Theatre under Artistic Director Michael Rudman and Foco Novo under Roland Rees, the play premiered at Nuffield Studio, Lancaster, 24 October 1977 and transferred to Hampstead the following month, opening in London 7 November 1977. Rees directed. The play was remounted in 1980 with some of the original cast at the National Theatre with Rees directing. The Elephant Man began its New York career off-Broadway at The Theatre of St. Peter's, moving to Broadway at the Booth Theatre in 1979, produced by Richmond Crinkley and Nelle Nugent and directed by Jack Hofsiss. David Bowie took over the lead as Merrick for several months in late 1980. The play closed in 1981 after eight previews and 916 regular performances, with revivals in 2002 and 2014.

The story is based on the life of Joseph Merrick, referred to in the script as John Merrick, who lived in Victorian London and is known for the extreme deformity of his body. The lead role of Merrick was originated by David Schofield, in a definitive performance. Subsequent productions starred actors including Philip Anglim, David Bowie, Mark Hamill, Bruce Davison, and Bradley Cooper.