When ambitious Victorian surgeon Frederick Treves discovered the hideously afflicted John Merrick, their relationship becomes complex. In the Elephant Man, Bernard Pomerance explores the difference between the two men in the context of their times: the devout victim and the sceptical saviour in a dependant bond of incomprehension, co-existing in a society which ahs not yet lost the vestiges of savagery.

Mick Lynch reflects the moral and medical ambiguities of Treves, especially the sense of ownership and condescension which links the well-meaning surgeon to the freak show cruelties which have already demoralised Merrick. Ciaran Bermingham as a dignified, bewildered Merrick and Dave Coon as the brutal Ross are tow more performances of value.Despite these efforts, the tragedy of Merrick ove4rebalnces the play as presented by the Janus Theatre Company. The direction by Belinda Wild is at times hysterical - the sound effects are no help[ in keeping the intellectual balance right 0 and the tensions of the play are lost through either being ignores altogether or heightened beyond likelihood. The costuming is of the free-range variety and some of the characterisations are mere caricatures: that of Princess Alexandra both historically and imaginatively ridiculous. Yet a performance of precise charm from Rachel Sarah Murphy as Mrs Kendal, a matter of acute timing and sensitivity, restores the aura of professionalism in this production. The foyer carnival directed by Conor Tallon is a lively introduction to the fair0groiund from which Merrick is rescued by Treves.The Elephant Man continues at the Everyman Palace until may 30th. Booking from: 021 501673