The Grinning Man
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The Grinning Man: A West End Spectacle
"The Grinning Man" premiered at London’s Trafalgar Studios on December 5, 2017, following a celebrated debut at Bristol Old Vic in October 2016. This tragicomic musical, adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1869 novel "The Man Who Laughs," features a book by Carl Grose, music by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler, and lyrics by Grose, Tom Morris, Phillips, and Teitler. Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris, it ran for 152 performances until May 5, 2018, earning acclaim for its dark whimsy and innovative staging. Produced by Bristol Old Vic, its transfer to the West End marked it as a bold new British musical, blending gothic horror with fairy-tale romance.
A Tale of Freaks and Fate
Set in a fictional, macabre version of London, the story centers on Grinpayne, a young man with a carved grin, abandoned after his mother’s shipwreck death. Found by puppeteer Ursus, who raises him with a blind girl, Dea, Grinpayne becomes a fairground freak at Trafalgar Fair. His fame draws the attention of the royal siblings hedonistic Josiana, foolish David, and mad Angelica whose father, King Clarence, meets a grim end. As Grinpayne seeks his past, guided by court clown Barkilphedro’s manipulations, his love for Dea unravels a secret tied to the aristocracy, culminating in a bittersweet reckoning.
A Cast of Captivating Performers
Louis Maskell led as Grinpayne, his portrayal lauded after earning a Best Performance nomination at Bristol. Julian Bleach brought chilling depth to Barkilphedro, while Sanne den Besten’s Dea offered tender contrast. Sean Kingsley played Ursus and King Clarence, with Amanda Wilkin as Josiana and Julie Atherton as Angelica rounding out the royals. The ensemble, enhanced by Gyre & Gimble’s puppetry, breathed life into this twisted world. Their vocal and physical prowess turned Hugo’s grim vision into a theatrical triumph, earning nightly ovations.
A Haunting Musical Score
Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler’s music, paired with evocative lyrics, wove a tapestry of dark magic. Standouts like “Laughter Is The Best Medicine” and “Stars In The Sky” framed the narrative, while “I Am The Freak Show” marked Grinpayne’s raw reveal. The 2018 cast recording captures 19 tracks, including Julian Bleach’s bonus “Only a Clown.” Critics praised the score’s originality, with *The Sunday Times* calling it “outstanding,” though some found it less memorable than its staging. The music’s eerie charm underscored the show’s gothic heart.
Critical Acclaim and Global Echoes
The West End run garnered rave reviews, with *The Guardian* awarding four stars for its “fabulously theatrical conceit” and *WhatsOnStage* hailing it as “entrancing.” *The Evening Standard* dissented, giving two stars for an “unclear” narrative. After Bristol’s 2016 success, its London cult status spurred a 2020 online release via Bristol Old Vic At Home, viewed in 52 countries. An Australian premiere followed in 2024 at Melbourne’s Alex Theatre, affirming its enduring appeal. A motion-capture film with Andy Serkis is also in development, promising further reach.
A Gothic Fairy Tale’s Legacy
Born from Hugo’s lesser-known work, "The Grinning Man" thrived in the West End’s intimate Trafalgar Studios, where Jon Bausor’s set and Jean Chan’s costumes conjured a nightmarish Victorian London. Tom Morris’s direction, paired with Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié’s puppetry echoing *War Horse* crafted a visual feast. Though its run ended in 2018, its blend of humor, horror, and heart left a mark on modern British theatre, proving that even the grotesque can find beauty in love and redemption.