A Fringe Season Must
Presented by: Guy Masterson, Floating World Entertainment & Joanne Hartstone
Reviewed: 28 February, 2023
After watching a show in the Garden, I hurriedly walked to Hindmarsh Square, where the Wonderland Spiegeltent has taken residence. After all the positive reviews it had been getting, I was extremely excited to watch The Marvellous Elephant Man. It did not disappoint; it went above and beyond my expectations.
While the audience waited patiently for the show, little did we know that it had started. Some of the performers were wandering around amongst us. One of the performers asked me what I was holding (my phone) and if I could please give him his lines. As he walked off, I couldn’t help but giggle; like that, the show had my attention.
Be advised this show is in no way biographical, although certain aspects may be likened to John Merrick’s life, albeit loosely. Opera Australia’s Ben Clark plays Merrick, who had spent six years touring the world as one of the well-known Ten Tenors. Then we have the evil Dr Treves played by Kanen Breen, another operatic tenor who was so believable he had me disliking him immensely.
I can’t write this review and not mention Marc Lucchesi, who plays the ringmaster and sells John to Dr Treves; things are only sometimes as they seem, remember that. Marc plays many different roles and excels at every single one of them.
Finally, I must mention that Annelise Hall, Nurse Hope, is involved in a mismatched love triangle, but I leave it to you to decide the correct match.
The acting, the singing, and the surprising emotions that will rise to the fore make this the Fringe show you must not miss.
If I could give this show ten stars, I would.
Reviewed by Anastazija Hankins
Venue: The Wonderland Spiegeltent, Hindmarsh Sq
Season: March 1 – 13
Duration: 90mins
Tickets: $37- $59
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/the-marvellous-elephant-man-the-musical-af2023