Bradley Cooper bringing The Elephant Man stage show to London

Four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper will portray the physically deformed John Merrick on Broadway.

18:20 23 January 2015

Bradley Cooper is set to bring The Elephant Man to London following the critical acclaim he has received for the performance on stage in America. The four-time Oscar nominee will portray the physically deformed John Merrick, whose true-life story inspired David Lynch’s Bafta-winning 1980 film starring John Hurt as the titular ‘half man half elephant’.

Fans can catch the show in London starting on May 19.

The 40-year-old Hangover star has been praised by US critics for his make-up free performance in Bernard Pomerance’s play, which was first staged in London in 1977. It was previously performed by David Bowie also sans make-up.

Speaking about his role, he said: "Every night I say goodbye to myself and I let him in.”

Before getting an Oscar nod in this year’s American Sniper (for both Best Actor and Best Picture as he produced it), he was nominated for his roles in Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.

The Elephant Man, which runs in New York until February 21, is directed by Scott Ellis. It will play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from May 19 until August 08.