Anoushka Lucas' Award-Winning Elephant to Run at Menier Chocolate Factory
Menier Chocolate Factory, in association with Kindred Partners, is delighted to announce the return of Anoushka Lucas' Elephant for a limited season. Following its sold-out runs at the Bush Theatre, Elephant will be presented in a reimagined new production at Menier Chocolate Factory. Directed by Jess Edwards, the production will run from 22 May to 28 June 2025, with the press night scheduled for 29 May.
About Elephant – A Bold Exploration of Identity and Sound
Anoushka Lucas
Elephant is a musical love story, part gig, and part journey through Empire, examining the complexity of identity in 21st-century Britain. The play revolves around Lylah, a young woman whose life changes after a piano mysteriously lands in her council flat. As Lylah navigates a budding music career and a new romance, she uncovers hidden truths about her past, her family, and the piano that altered her life. The play explores the power of music, self-discovery, and the unspoken truths that shape us.
The Success of Elephant at the Bush Theatre
Elephant was originally commissioned and produced by the Bush Theatre, where it premiered in the company’s Studio space and became the fastest-selling show in their history. The production was later transferred to the main theatre space for a sold-out run. Anoushka Lucas, who wrote and performed the piece, won Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards and was nominated for Most Promising Playwright at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
Creative Team Behind Elephant
Written and Performed by: Anoushka Lucas
Director: Jess Edwards
Designer: Georgia Wilmot
Lighting Designer: Laura Howard
Sound Designer: Xana
Video Designer: Gillian Tan
About the Cast and Creatives
Anoushka Lucas is an award-winning writer, performer, and composer known for her powerful stage performances. Her notable theatre credits include Rhinoceros at Almeida Theatre, A Face in the Crowd at Young Vic, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at Young Vic and Wyndham’s Theatre, where she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Lucas is also a talented musician, with her debut album Dark Soul and compositions such as Sparks for BBC Radio 4 and The Etienne Sisters at Theatre Royal Stratford.
Jess Edwards, who directs this new production, is a multi-award-winning director and writer. Her previous works have been featured at Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Roundhouse, and HighTide. She has won the Summerhall Lustrum Award (for Passengers in 2019) and MTR Best Musical Award (for Sparks in 2018).
Performance Information
Venue: Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
Dates: 22 May – 28 June 2025
Press Night: 29 May 2025
Tickets: Available on the Menier Chocolate Factory website
Other Productions at Menier Chocolate Factory
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors – Running until 3 May 2025
Liza in Typsy! – 7-11 May 2025
Elephant – 22 May – 28 June 2025
Press Night: 29 May 2025
About Menier Chocolate Factory
Menier Chocolate Factory is a renowned producing theatre located in London, known for its bold and innovative productions. The theatre’s diverse program includes everything from musicals to new plays, and it has earned acclaim for both its artistic integrity and theatrical contributions.
