David Farnor | On 02, Jul 2020

The Bristol Old Vic theatre is streaming its production of The Grinning Man online for free this week.

Based on The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo and brought to life by director Tom Morris (Touching the Void) and writer Carl Grose (Dead Dog in a Suitcase), the production follows a fairground where a strange new act has arrived. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Helped by an old man, a lone wolf and a blind girl, his story must be told.

Featuring an original score by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler and puppetry from Gyre & Gimble (War Horse), it’s the epic tale of an abandoned child with a terrible secret, a disfigured youth who is desperate to hide and a sightless girl who longs to be discovered.

Following a triumphant premiere as part of the theatre’s 250th Anniversary season, and its acclaimed run at Trafalgar Studios in London’s West End, The Grinning Man has returned, this time in people’s living rooms.

The recording from its original run in Bristol was released this past week and is available to stream for free on YouTube until midnight on 3rd July. You can also stream a special reunion recorded on Zoom about the origins of this delightfully dark musical, how it was brought to the stage, why there is a lasting love for the show among its loyal fans, and what the future may hold.

To donate to support Bristol Old Vic, text BOV and your donation amount to 70085.

 

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