AN ACCLAIMED production of The Elephant Man will visit Dorset this weekend - a stone's throw from the birthplace of his renowned doctor.

Fourth Money Theatre Company will head to the Bridport Arts Centre and the Dorchester Corn Exchange this week - performing their production of the iconic David Lynch film.

The Elephant Man's doctor, Sir Frederick Treves was born in Dorchester - and the production will mark a poignant performance in the county town on Friday (27).

Artistic director at Dorchester Arts, Mark Tattersall said: "The Elephant Man is one of the highlights of our busiest season so far, with more than 30 dates.

"It is fitting that the performance will be in our new home, the Corn Exchange, and in the hometown of Sir Frederick Treves. It promises to be a memorable night."

A contemporary of Thomas Hardy, Sir Frederick Treves was born in 1853 and returned to the county town in 1905 where he lived until his death in 1923.

The Elephant Man tells the true story of Joseph Merrick and was written by Fourth Monkey Theatre Company’s artistic director Steven Green. The production has received rave reviews and numerous award nominations, including the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression award - when it premiered with a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2012.

Daniel Chrisostomou has been critically acclaimed for his performance as Merrick, who owes his existence to those who exploit his horrible deformities for their own ends. But as he sits silently under curious stares, it is the world around him that appears grotesque.

Elephant Man will be on stage at Bridport Arts Centre on Saturday (28) following the performance in Dorchester the previous evening.

For more information, contact Bridport Arts Centre on 01308 424204 or the Dorchester Corn Exchange on 01305 266926.