The Grinning Man is a tragicomic musical based on Victor Hugo's 1869 novel The Man Who Laughs with a book by Carl Grose, music by Tim Phillips, Marc Teitler and lyrics by Carl Grose, Tom Morris, Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler.
Production history
Bristol (2016) The musical made its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic, beginning previews from 13 October, with a press night on 20 October, for a limited run until 13 November 2016. The production was directed by Tom Morris, set designed by Jon Bausor, costume designed by Jean Chan, movement direction by Jane Gibson, lighting design by Richard Howell, sound design by Simon Baker, with puppetry direction and design by Gyre & Gimble (Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié).
London (2017-18) Following the success of the Bristol run, the musical transferred to the Trafalgar Studios (Studio 1) in London's West End beginning previews from 5 December, with a press night on 18 December 2017. The production ended its extended run on 5 May 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced the Bristol Old Vic would stream an archive recording of the production (featuring the original Bristol cast) on YouTube from 26 June to 3 July 2020.
The playtext was published by Samuel French, Inc. on 5 May 2021.
Cast and characters
Summary
Act I
The show opens on Barkilphedro who introduces the audience to the story ("Laughter Is The Best Medicine"). We are introduced to the Royal Family. Lord David is at the puppet show and watches as Ursus introduces Grinpayne at the local freak-show, who proceeds to tell his story. Young Grinpayne (Puppeteered by the actor of Grinpayne) is rushed to catch a boat by his Mother, but upon seeing his face he's refused admission by the boat's sailors, who force his mother away from him ("Show us your face"/"Give me back my Mother"); and the boat sails into a storm, leaving Grinpayne alone with memories of his (hanged) Father ("Hymn of the Hanged"). Young Grinpayne walks and discovers a child, whom he takes from her dead mother - a young Dea. The two encounter a wolf, who leads them to his master, Ursus. Although shocked by Grinpayne's face, Ursus agrees to allow them to stay ("Stars in the Sky"). A few years later, Young Dea is blind; but has formed a strong connection with Grinpayne ("Blind to Nothing"). She begs her Father (The role Ursus has taken in both children's lives) to tell the story of beauty and the beast, but ultimately her and Grinpayne end up acting it out with their puppets; and the two grow up, with the puppeteers taking the place of the puppet counterparts ("Beauty and the Beast"). Meanwhile, the King dies, and the coronation proceeds to his Daughter, Angelica, but is skipped by her lazy sister, Josiana, and her lover and brother, David ("Weep Oh Weep"). Barkilphedro, in partial madness, sees the King come back to life and expresses a desire to be made into a Lord. Angelica sets about creating a tyrannical rule. Grinpayne expresses confusion as to why Dea loves him and believes she would not if she could see him ("Something's going to Change"). Josiana rings for Barkilphedro to come to her chambers, where she is angry her Brother has chosen the fair over her. Angelica arrives and tells her to warn their brother that if he returns to the fair he will be exiled, and tells Josiana she must marry, to Josiana's horror. David returns and begins rambling about a new exhibit of "The Grinning Man" at the fair who has revolutionised his life - in curiosity, Josiana agrees to come, bringing Barkilphedro with them ("Never Seen a Face Like This"). Grinpayne and Dea reveal feelings for one another ("Born Broken"). Grinpayne goes onstage for his act, in front of Josiana, David and Barkilphedro, where he reveals his face for the first time ("I am the Freak Show"). Barkilphedro recognises Grinpayne. The show ends and Ursus is enamoured with Grinpayne's performance ("Roll Up"). The two argue, however, as Ursus denies any knowledge to who Grinpayne is. It is revealed that to reduce his pain, Grinpayne has been taking a potion, crafted by Ursus. Grinpayne receives a letter from Josiana who is enamoured with him and his performance, and gives the impression she knows him ("Josiana's Letter"). Grinpayne is excited by this prospect of finally discovering who he is and decides to meet her ("A Scar is Born")