Reader Reviews
Elling (Trafalgar Studios (previously the Whitehall), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | After seeing The Hothouse yesterday it was interesting to watch Elling which also looks at mental illness but from the point of view of the patient. Unlike Pinter's heartlessness there is a great deal of warmth to this Norwegian comedy which just manages to fall short of poking fun at Elling and Kjell Bjarne. This is blessed with two excellent central performances from the huge Adrian Bower and John Simm, who seems to have been consumed by the spirit of Kenneth Williams. I found Elling to be amusing rather than hilarious and I'm not really sure about the apparent message that insanity might be preferable to so-called "normality". - David Baxter | 06 Sep 07 |
| Way, way too long. I saw this last Monday (13/8) and the house notice said that the performance would last 2hrs 20mins including the interval, but we sat through 2 hrs 40 mins. The cast were doing so much mugging and playing to the gallery that the comedic pace has considerably slackened. Funny in parts, but no masterpiece. - addicted to theatre | 20 Aug 07 |
| I am surprised also that WOS has not reviewed this fantastic play. If you have not seen it yet, then do so before it finishes on 6th October (if tickets are still available!). The whole cast are superb, especially John Simm as the fussy mummies boy, you will not reconise him, he totally becomes Elling. - Janet | 12 Aug 07 |
| I don't understand why WOS haven't reveiwed this yet.Perhaps it hasn't had its press night - who knows. Elling could best be described as an "Art" for the 21st century. A Norwegian play and film translated into English, but keeping it's Norwegian setting and names etc. Elling deals with the relationship between two men "released" back into society after sharing a room for two years in some kind of Norwegian asylum. Elling and Kjell Bjarne are given a flat and encouraged to behave like "normal" people by Frank Asli a kind of social worker, and the fun begins..... This production made me laugh out loud,the relationship between the two central characters and their adventures out and about in Oslo and the few people they dare to meet provide an insightful, comedic and bitter sweet journey where you are genuinely touched by their experiences and feelings, and actually question whether they are really mad, or completely sane in a crazy world. John Simm is quite simply astounding as Elling, his comic timing and beautiful mannerisms are a master class in character acting, his portayal is so completely different from anything you will have seen him as on TV, and highlight his tremendous ability as an actor. Adrian Bower meets the challenge and again his excellent performance gives us a double act which I wish would continue either on stage or screen. The staging is simple and effective ensuring that the story is told to maximum effect. Thoroughly enjoyable,thought provoking and sold out for a Tuesday night. Well worth seeing. - Alassin Sane | 25 Jul 07 |
