In the intimate space of an in-the-round Menier Chocolate Factory, Anoushka Lucas’s Elephant returns in a reimagined production that is as touching as it is musically divine. Originally commissioned by the Bush Theatre, where it became their fastest-selling show, this new staging directed by Jess Edwards retains the raw emotional core of the original while expanding its resonance in a space that feels tailor-made for its hybrid form.
A monologue infused with music that explores cultural identity, Elephant is clearly a deeply personal piece. Lucas, who both writes and performs, plays Lylah—a young woman navigating the complexities of race, class, and belonging in modern Britain. Her story unfolds through a series of vignettes, set across three timelines, underscored by her own piano compositions.
Georgia Wilmot’s set has the piano take centre stage—both literally and metaphorically—while Laura Howard’s lighting and Xana’s sound design create a dreamlike atmosphere that shifts seamlessly between past and present. Gillian Tan’s video design creates a beautiful movement on the floor, enhancing the show’s tone without overwhelming it.
Lucas is a magnetic performer. Her voice—both spoken and sung—carries a quiet intensity that draws the audience in. Towards the end, when she describes an evening at her boyfriend’s parents’ home, the increasing intensity both shocks and captivates. She moves fluidly between characters and timelines, capturing the awkwardness of adolescence, the thrill of first love, and the ache of cultural dislocation with equal finesse. The writing is sharp, often very funny, and emotionally precise.
Elephant does not offer easy answers. Instead, it invites the audience to sit with discomfort, to listen closely, and to consider the weight of history that we all carry. While the themes are often difficult to confront, Lucas’s masterful storytelling and beautiful music are easy to enjoy.
Listings and ticket information can bee found here.
