The Grinning Man (musical)

The Grinning Man is a tragicomic musical based on Victor Hugo's 1869 novel The Man Who Laughs with a book by Carl Grose, music by Tim Phillips, Marc Teitler and lyrics by Carl Grose, Tom Morris, Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler.

Bristol (2016)
The musical made its world premiere at the Bristol Old Vic, beginning previews from 13 October, with a press night on 20 October, for a limited run until 13 November 2016. The production was directed by Tom Morris, set designed by Jon Bausor, costume designed by Jean Chan, movement direction by Jane Gibson, lighting design by Richard Howell, sound design by Simon Baker, with puppetry direction and design by Gyre & Gimble (Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié).

London (2017-18)
Following the success of the Bristol run, the musical transferred to the Trafalgar Studios (Studio 1) in London's West End beginning previews from 5 December, with a press night on 18 December 2017. The production ended its extended run on 5 May 2018.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced the Bristol Old Vic would stream an archive recording of the production (featuring the original Bristol cast) on YouTube from 26 June to 3 July 2020.

The playtext was published by Samuel French, Inc. on 5 May 2021.

Moscow (2022)
On 4 February 2022, an opening reading of the musical took place, the musical made its world premiere in Moscow at the Yauza Palace, beginning previews from 23 September, with opening night on 21 October.

Melbourne (2024)
On 19 December 2023, it was announced that the production would make its international premiere at Alex Theatres St Kilda, beginning previews from 25 April, with opening night on 2 May. The run is expected to end 19 May. This production combines elements from both the Bristol and West End productions.

Song list

 * Act I
 * "Grab It By The Horn (Pre Show)" - Hans And The Bleeding Cheeks, Company Musicians
 * "Laughter Is The Best Medicine" - Barkilphedro, King Clarence, Josiana, Dirry-Moir, Angelica, Company
 * "Show Us Your Face" - Mother, Grinpayne, Company
 * "The Mothers Song" - Mother, Grinpayne
 * "Hymn Of The Hanged" - Trelaw, Grinpayne
 * "Cry Of Pain" - Grinpayne
 * "Stars In The Sky" - Ursus
 * "Blind To Nothing" - Dea, Ursus, Grinpayne
 * "Beauty And The Beast" - Grinpayne, Dea
 * "Weep Oh Weep" - Kupsak, Company
 * "Somethings Going To Change" - Queen Angelica, Kupsak, Company
 * "Never Seen A Face Like This" - Dirry-Moir, Josiana
 * "Born Broken" - Dea, Grinpayne, Ursus
 * "I Am The Freak Show" - Grinpayne
 * "Roll Up!" - Company
 * "Josiana's Letter" - Josiana, Grinpayne
 * "A Scar Is Born!" - Grinpayne, Company


 * Act II
 * "Labyrinth" - Grinpayne
 * "Only a Clown/Give Me Back My Mother (Reprise)" - Barkilphedro, Trelaw, King Clarence, Mother, Grinpayne, Ursus
 * "Brand New World Of Feeling" - Grinpayne, Josiana
 * "The Smiling Song" - Grinpayne, Company
 * "A New Beginning" - Grinpayne, Queen Angelica, Josiana, Dirry-Moir, Company
 * "Burn Down The Fair" - Barkilphedro, Quake, Company
 * Finale: "The Last Kiss" "Revenge And Mercy" "The Smile In Your Face" "Beauty And The Beast" "New Royal Motto" - Grinpayne, Dea, Josiana, Queen Angelica, Dirry-Moir, Barkilphedro, Mother, Trelaw, Company
 * "Stars In The Sky (Reprise)" - Grinpayne, Dea, Ursus, Company

A cast recording was released on 13 July 2018, featuring the Original London Cast, which contained 19 songs from the show, including a bonus track 'Only a Clown', recorded by Julian Bleach.

Reception
The Grinning Man received mostly positive reviews, with The Guardian calling it "a fabulously theatrical conceit" and giving it four out of five stars, and The Stage calling it "unusual yet enticing". However, the Evening Standard gave it two out of five stars, citing the "dismayingly unclear" narrative and "largely unmemorable" music and singing.