THE true story of The Elephant Man is being brought to life in Abingdon.

Abingdon Drama Club is putting on a stage version of the Victorian tale, written by Bernard Pomerance, at the Unicorn Theatre starting next week.

Duncan Blagrove will take the lead role of badly disfigured Joseph Merrick, who was rescued from a travelling freak show.

Mr Blagrove said: “When the respected Dr Treves takes Merrick under his wing, he is astonished by the man’s brilliant intellect, unshakable faith and, most of all, his resounding desire for love and understanding.”

In the play, Dr Treves, played by Tony Green, introduces Merrick to the beautiful actress Mrs Kendal, played by Rebecca Peberdy, who is deeply touched by his “pure and genuine” soul.

Mr Blagrove said: “As a complex friendship grows between the three, Treves and Kendal struggle to protect Merrick from a world of dubious intentions.

“So begins a story of love as unique as the elephant man himself.”

Director Terry Atkinson said: “I’ve always been fascinated in man’s inhumanity to man and how difference is often perceived as something to fear.

“Bernard Pomerance’s play brings these, our, frailties to life in The Elephant Man.”

The play will run from Wednesday to Saturday next week, starting at 7.30pm each night. There will also be a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, available from The Bookstore in Bury Street, Abingdon, by emailing tickets@unicornboxoffice.org.uk or by calling 0845 4636638.