The Marvellous Elephant Man ~ The Musical: Outstanding Olde-Victorian Comedy Of Cruelty, Predjudice And Love Conquering All ~ Adelaide Fringe 2023 Review

[Theatre & Physical Theatre/Comedy ~ SA PREMIERE ~ VIC] Wonderland Spiegeltent at Wonderland Festival Hub, Sun 26 Feb, 2003. At first, as cast members in Victorian costumes mingle through the audience, I feel a little nervous that this will be some amateur version of Gilbert and Sullivan, but as the stars of the show begin to reveal operatic credentials that would fill a whole review, it becomes clear that something finer is afoot. Ben Clark as Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man of the title, is not made up to look hideous as might have been expected; a simple grey face paint – hinting at something more pachyderm – allows us to see his facial expressions and emphasise with his gentle nature. Clark is indeed marvellous in the role. Kanen Breen is perfect as the domineering and evil Dr Treves. He seems to be having way too much fun. Annelise Hall is also strong as the nurse torn between her relationship with her employer and her growing love for the patient. The Marvellous Elephant Man is unique in that all three writers appear on stage. Co-writer Marc Lucchesi, also recently at the Wonderland Spiegeltent with his band Vaudeville Smash, takes on five roles, all of which allow plenty of scope for comic exaggeration. As ringmaster it is his job to rev the audience, but as Giancarlo and Mama Mamushka he has us in stitches. Co-writers Jayan and Sarah Nandagopan are in the band, with Sarah on keyboards having so much fun I almost miss some vital parts of the action by watching her. Ellie McIntyre, Francesca Di Lippi, Lachlan Bartlett, Lucian Reeder and Sam Harmon all feature strongly in supporting roles. The quality of the voices throughout the entire cast is notable, but the range of musical styles employed across the twenty songs, and the beauty of some of the melodies, is what makes this show stand out. Nearly every musical you can think of is referenced in some way. A bit of Disney here, a touch of Les Misérable there, some Rocky Horror Picture Show... etc. There are elements of Victorian melodramatic overacting aplenty, updated to appeal to a modern audience, with language that is both witty and ribald enough not to make it into a Disney production. A musical of this quality would normally be seen on a stage in a large theatre, and I suspect this one soon will be. This may be a rare opportunity to see it up close, in the round at the wonderful Wonderland Spiegeltent. A homegrown Australian musical that deserves our support. Go see it! 5 stars Adrian Miller The Marvellous Elephant Man: The Musical continues at Wonderland Spiegeltent at Wonderland Festival Hub – Hindmarsh Square, at various times, until Mon 13 Mar. Book at Fringetix and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #Clothesline_Mag #ADLfringe