Bradley Cooper is bringing 'The Elephant Man' to London

LONDON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Actor Bradley Cooper is bringing his celebrated Broadway production of The Elephant Man to London's West End this spring.

The Theatre Royal Haymarket has announced the show will play a strictly limited, 12-week run from May 19 until Aug. 8.

The Elephant Man tells the story of Joseph Merrick, a real-life, 19th-century London man with physical deformities who became a star of the traveling freak-show circuit. The play based on his life was written by Bernard Pomerance and directed by Scott Ellis. Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola -- co-stars in the Broadway staging -- will appear alongside Cooper in London, as well.

"When the renowned Dr. Treves takes Merrick under his care, he is astonished by the man's brilliant intelligence, unshakable faith and, most of all, his resounding desire for love and understanding," a synopsis said. "He introduces Merrick to the beautiful actress Mrs. Kendal, who is deeply touched by this pure and genuine soul. As a complex friendship blossoms among the three, Treves and Kendal struggle to protect Merrick from a world of questionable intentions... and so begins a story of love as unique as The Elephant Man himself."

Cooper is a current Oscar nominee for his performance in the film American Sniper.