A critically acclaimed stage spectacle featuring a life-sized elephant, a globetrotting actor, and a story rooted in wonder and belonging comes to the Oxford Playhouse from 11–14th June 2025.
Led by rising British-Indian star Adi Chugh, The Vanishing Elephant combines emotional storytelling with breath-taking puppetry and theatrical illusion in a show that has wowed audiences from New York to Nebraska, and now arrives in Oxford as part of its UK debut tour.
Described by The New York Times as “an alluring spectacle,” this magical tale reimagines the origins of Harry Houdini’s legendary 1918 illusion, in which he made a five-ton elephant disappear on stage. But behind the showmanship lies a deeper story of displacement, resilience, and the powerful bond between a boy and an elephant.
Set in Bengal and inspired by a boy’s dream of becoming an elephant trainer, The Vanishing Elephant tells the story of Opu and his extraordinary bond with Janu, a majestic Asian elephant. Their friendship weathers time, separation, and ocean-crossing adventures, eventually leading Opu, now an old man, to New York City in search of a vanished friend who may be more familiar than she first appears.
“As poignant as it is joyful”
British Theatre Guide
“Reminiscent of War Horse and Life of Pi… it will be hard to vanish the memories of this production.”
The Irish Times
From Off-Broadway to the Bodleian’s Back Yard
Originally premiering at New York’s New Victory Theater where it was named a Critic’s Pick, the show’s creative team brings together some of the best in family theatre:
- Written by Charles Way
- Directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney, Artistic Director of Cahoots NI
- Puppetry by Helen Foan
- Supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Culture Ireland
Produced by Cahoots NI, a Belfast-based theatre company known for their inventive use of illusion, magic, and storytelling, the UK tour includes stops in London, Buxton, Oxford and Coventry.
Meet the Lead: Adi Chugh
Adi Chugh brings emotional depth and cross-cultural insight to the lead role of Opu, a boy we follow through childhood, adolescence and old age, across time and continents.
Best known for his work in Bollywood films like Shakuntala Devi and Bell Bottom, Chugh is a trained graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Fluent in three languages and dubbed in six, his upbringing across India, Germany, South Africa and the U.S. gives him an unusually global lens, which he brings to his stage work.
To be granted the opportunity of playing Opu, at three greatly contrasting ages as a child, teenager & an elderly man, alongside Janu, the beautiful Indian elephant, has been a rewarding challenge which I’ve enjoyed tackling. It’s urged me to push the range of my voice and body as an actor while having a wild yet soulful elephant as a scene partner in a story with Desi roots. That’s unbelievable and unbeatable
Adi Chugh
Chugh’s past work includes independent films, a long-form series shot in Cairo, and collaborations across the UK, EU and Middle East. He brings not just theatrical training, but deep lived experience to a role that speaks to identity, loss and belonging.
Behind the Magic
While the story takes inspiration from Harry Houdini’s famous disappearing elephant, The Vanishing Elephant focuses on what happens behind the illusion, and who the elephant might have been.
We follow Janu, a majestic Asian elephant, as she journeys from India to the West — and the boy, Opu, who forms a lifelong bond with her. Through movement, music, puppetry and magic, the show gently explores themes of migration, kindness, cultural heritage and memory.
It’s a performance that speaks to children and adults alike, immersive, magical and deeply human
Oxford Tour Dates & Booking
- 11–14th June 2025
- Oxford Playhouse
- Tickets available at oxfordplayhouse.com
- Ticket price: From £14
- Age guidance: 8+
- Show duration: 1hr 45mins with interval
- Warnings: Contains a gunshot and use of gun on stage; haze used throughout
The Oxford run follows appearances at London’s Southbank Centre (Queen Elizabeth Hall) and Buxton Opera House, before heading to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
Who Should See It?
- Families seeking a rich, imaginative stage experience
- Fans of puppetry, illusion and magic
- Adults interested in theatre with cultural and emotional resonance
- Educators or parents exploring themes of migration, history, or kindness
With its lush visuals and layered story, The Vanishing Elephant is ideal for children aged 7+, while offering plenty of emotional weight for adult audiences.
UK Tour Dates
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| London – Southbank Centre (Queen Elizabeth Hall) | 29 May – 1 June 2025 |
| Buxton Opera House | 6 – 8 June 2025 |
| Oxford Playhouse | 11 – 14 June 2025 |
| Belgrade Theatre, Coventry | 18 – 21 June 2025 |
