A striking and piercingly poignant musical that never loses sight of Joseph Merrick’s humanity.
The Elephant in the Room, performed at Ironworks Studios, is an uplifting and deeply moving new musical that tells the true story of Joseph Merrick with remarkable sincerity. Rather than sensationalising Merrick’s physical disfigurement, the production focuses on his humanity, resilience and longing to belong, encouraging audiences to look beyond outward appearance and connect instead with Merrick’s spirit, courage and compassion.
Through heartfelt storytelling and evocative music, the production becomes not simply a tale of adversity, but a celebration of empathy and kindness in the face of cruelty.
The writing, music and lyrics by Alan Perry and Bradley Tullett are undoubtedly the production’s greatest strength. The songs are soul-stirring and surprisingly catchy, with melodies lingering long after the performance ends. Importantly, the show never loses clarity; despite covering multiple stages of Merrick’s life, from the workhouse to Bedstead Square, the storytelling remains easy to follow and emotionally grounded throughout. There is genuine potential here for a future beyond the Fringe.
Phil Nair-Brown delivers a delightfully garish portrayal of the Showman, balancing theatricality with an underlying respect for Merrick despite the uncomfortable spectacle surrounding him. His audience interaction works particularly well within the intimate studio space, drawing spectators directly into the unease of Merrick’s lifelong performance and reinforcing the production’s interrogation of what it means to stare. Through his narration, we are guided through Merrick’s journey from exploitation towards understanding and dignity.
At the heart of the musical is Carl Lovejoy’s extraordinary portrayal of Joseph Merrick. His expressive vocals and deeply vulnerable performance capture Merrick’s isolation, hope and determination with aching sensitivity. The opening number, “Skin Deep”, immediately establishes the production’s central themes of beauty, judgment, and self-worth as Merrick insists upon his value in a Victorian society fixated on outward appearance and the immovable weight of being different. Lovejoy’s frequent eye contact with audience members creates the feeling that Merrick is reaching out directly to us, asking us to reconsider the way we treat one another.
The Elephant in the Room is particularly resonant because of how contemporary its themes feel. Merrick’s humiliation, loneliness and yearning for acceptance remain painfully relevant today, prompting audiences to question how far society has truly progressed in its understanding of difference, or whether we still have a long way to go. Merrick’s belief that “beauty is within” becomes the crux of the production, challenging audiences to confront their own assumptions and prejudices.
Cara Jervis’ choreography makes inventive use of the compact performance space, particularly during the crowded train station sequence where the ensemble’s movement heightens Merrick’s sense of exposure and alienation. One standout musical number is “Sticks and Stones”, where Merrick is mocked beneath striking shards of red light. Initially defiant, he fights back against the cruelty surrounding him, before gradually being overwhelmed by the ensemble’s relentless chanting. The scene becomes one of the show’s most emotionally devastating moments, exposing the profound isolation beneath Merrick’s bravery.
Pepper’s atmospheric lighting design uses saturated purples, blues and pinks to create a striking, expressionistic quality that immerses audiences in both the spectacle and emotional depth of Merrick’s story. Moments where Merrick is framed in stark spotlights against darkness or haze reinforce the sense that he exists as an exposed wound beneath the constant gaze of others, unable to fully blend into the world around him.
The quieter moments between Merrick and Madge Kendal are among the production’s most consoling, offering Merrick rare refuge from a world that has spent a lifetime denying him belonging. “Hide and Seek”, a tender duet between the pair, beautifully captures the sustaining life force of their correspondence, with Kendal (portrayed by Eleanor Lakin) becoming someone Merrick can finally confide in and turn to amidst his inner turmoil. Their connection becomes a rare source of joy and solace within an otherwise enduring existence. Lakin is exceptional as Kendal, bringing angelic vocals and luminous warmth to the role, proving herself this generation’s Philippa Soo. Meanwhile, Fillipe Ribeiro gives a nuanced portrayal of Frederick Treves, balancing professionalism and compassion with underlying moral uncertainty, while Marcus Truman brings boundless energy to his roles and Tonie Ow impresses both as an acrobat within the circus troupe and through a measured portrayal of matron Eva Luckes.
Ultimately, The Elephant in the Room excels because it never loses sight of Joseph Merrick’s humanity. Under the thoughtful direction of Eleanor Lakin, the production’s vision remains piercingly poignant throughout, reminding audiences that kindness matters now more than ever. The lingering image of Merrick’s mask leaves audiences with an uncomfortable question: would we still be looking now? In asking why people still feel the need to hide parts of themselves from the world, The Elephant in the Room challenges us to consider what must change for difference to be met with understanding rather than judgment.