Nominated for 2016 Off WhatsOnStage Award for Best Regional Production
If I could, I would sit through this again, every night of its run -
Crowned by an extraordinary score, this is the most ambitious and intricate musical since London Road -
Blackly, comic brilliance -
Premiere at the Bristol Old Vic, Oct 2016
West End Premiere (Trafalgar Studios), Dec 2017
Australian Premiere at Salty Theatre, April 2024
‘The Grinning Man’ tells the story of Grinpayne who at the age of five was forever scarred when a mysterious assailant carved a hideous grin into his face. Adopted by a showman Ursus, Grinpayne grows up to become the star attraction of a freak show but his fame contrasts with a growing restlessness to discover who he really is. When the show arrives in London, it becomes so popular even the royals frequent it. The thrill seeking Duchess Josiana falls in lust with Grinpayne and his acceptance of her invitation to meet sets off a chain of events that hurtle him to the shocking truth behind his disfigurement.
Credits
Director Tom Morris
Book by Carl Grose
Lyrics Carl Grose, Tom Morris, Tim Phillips & Marc Teitler
Music by Tim Phillips & Marc Teitler
