Innovative Basingstoke-based theatre company Proteus brings the moving, poetic and uplifting story of "The Elephant Man" John Merrick to Sheringham Little Theatre next week (April 26).
Innovative Basingstoke-based theatre company Proteus brings the moving, poetic and uplifting story of "The Elephant Man" John Merrick to Sheringham Little Theatre next week (April 26).
In a 21st Century version of the tragic true story, the production traces Merrick's remarkable journey from object of curiosity and social revulsion to celebrity.
Fusing burlesque, circus and physical theatre, Saul Jaffe creates a one-man tour de force as Merrick, exploring today's obsession with beauty, celebrity and body image and proving that the Elephant Man's story is a relevant today as it was when he rose to fame in Victorian times.
Coincidentally, the cause of Merrick's deformity, and subsequent sad downfall, is now understood to be Proteus Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic defect affecting just 200 people worldwide.
The Elephant Man is at Sheringham Little Theatre on April 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £10 (£6 students) are available from the box office on 01263 822347.
The North Norfolk News has five pairs of tickets to Proteus to give away. To win, just answer the following question: What was the name of the disease afflicting "Elephant Man" John Merrick?
Send your answer to Elephant Man competition, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE to arrive no later than Tuesday April 22. Normal Archant competion rules apply.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here