Bradley Cooper To Bring The Elephant Man To London stage

Currently enjoying a recorded-breaking run on Broadway, Scott Ellis’ acclaimed production of The Elephant Man will transfer to London with the US cast starring Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola this spring. The production is now confirmed to play a strictly limited season at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from May 19 until 8 August 2015. Tickets are now on sale.

Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo credit: Joan Marcus

The cast features Bradley Cooper as John Merrick, Patricia Clarkson as Mrs. Kendal, Alessandro Nivola as Dr. Frederick Treves, Anthony  Heald  as  Ross  /  Bishop  How, Scott Lowell as Snork / Pinhead Manager / Lord John, Kathryn Meisle as Miss Sandwich / Princess and Henry Stram as Carr Gomm / Conductor. The cast also includes Chris Bannow, Peter Bradbury, Lucas Calhoun, Eric Clem, Amanda Lea Mason, Marguerite Stimpson and Emma Thorne.

Bradley Cooper (John Merrick). Photo credit Joan Marcus
Bradley Cooper (John Merrick). Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Bradley Cooper is currently Oscar nominated for Best Actor and, as a Producer, Best Picture for the film American Sniper. His performance in the role saw him win Best Actor in an Action Movie at the 20th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards recently.

Cooper commented: ”Never did we think we would have the privilege to perform this show on Broadway, let alone in London. I’m honoured that Alessandro, Patricia, the entire company and I have the opportunity to continue to tell his story.”

Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves), Patricia Clarkson (Mrs Kendal). Photo credit Joan Marcus
Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves), Patricia Clarkson (Mrs Kendal). Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Based on the real life of Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man tells the story of a 19th-century British man who became a star of the traveling freak show circuit. When the renowned Dr Treves takes Merrick under his care, he is astonished by the man’s brilliant intelligence, unshakable faith and, most of all, his resounding desire for love and understanding. He introduces Merrick to the beautiful actress Mrs. Kendal, who is deeply touched by this pure and genuine soul. As a complex friendship blossoms among the three, Treves and Kendal struggle to protect Merrick from a world of questionable intentions.

Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo Credit Joan Marcus
Bradley Cooper (John Merrick), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Prior to the London engagement, The Elephant Man will continue to play until 21 February 2015 at the Booth Theatre in New York City.

Patricia Clarkson (Mrs Kendal), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Patricia Clarkson (Mrs Kendal), Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves). Photo credit: Joan Marcus