Reader Reviews
Elling (The Bush Theatre, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I felt I was watching an succession of impressions. David Brent and Alison Steadman with a spitting Image Scotsman thrown in for good/bad measure. The dialogue was tedious and going nowhere. What is the point I kept thinking? Fortunately I was relieved of having to sit through the second act due to the indisposition of one of the cast members ..... perhaps they'd had enough of it too? The Bush well off form. - rds | 19 Feb 10 |
| I was initially drawn to see this play because for years I have thought John Simm is so incredibly talented. In fact, he's the best actor I've ever seen, especially in his role as Danny in the Lakes, coupled with Jimmy McGovern's writing, wow. It was a work of art. Elling, was also an oustanding piece of art in all aspects. The script was amazing and the direction and acting by all was wonderful. So much so, that we have seen this play three times. It is a funny, clever and touching play, so unlike some of the prententious plays that I have seen in the past. Well done to all involved!!! - J.O. | 07 Oct 07 |
| John Simm (Elling) and Adrian Bower (Kjell Bjarne) are the perfect double act in this comical and enjoyable play. It centres on two social outcasts having left a psychiatric hospital and venturing to fit back into society and be ‘normal’, something which is believed to be found extensively from using the telephone and ordering pizza. Adrian Bower plays the gruff but naïve and innocent Kjell Bjarne delightfully. A modern day Lennie, whose child-like simplicity charms the audience when he falls in love with a pregnant and concussed ‘angel’, plays impeccably next to his pernickety ‘mummy’s boy’ companion played by Simm. The two go on a whirl-wind adventure in the wider world of Oslo, going to late-night poetry readings where Elling finds his true voice as the mysterious ‘Sauerkraut poet’, and learn to let go and live on the edge (of madness). An amusing and touching performance, guaranteed to warm the heart. - E.C | 20 Aug 07 |
| An entertaining and likeable little play with a fine if idiosyncratic performance from John Simm as the mummmy's boy Elling. Overlong though, half an hour could have been shaved off the running time. - houndtang | 15 Jul 07 |
| Gentle, heart-warming, and really, really funny. It's a bit unfair to single out one performance when everyone is so good, but John Simm is the main draw and so worth it - playing as different a character from Sam Tyler as you can imagine, but just as wonderful. Really hope it gets a West End transfer. - Annette Neary | 22 May 07 |
| You'd be hard-pressed to find something else as feelgood as this. It's quirky and very funny, but ultimately deeply moving. Terrific performances (great to see John Simm trying something so different to his TV work). Another Bush treat. - Gareth James | 20 May 07 |
| Wow! The Bush are certainly on a roll at the moment. This play really deserves to get a longer run so that more people can see John Simm's and Adrian Bower's truly outstanding performances. It MUST get a transfer, and ideally, to the West End. I cannot begin to describe the subtly and finely executed nuances of John Simm's deeply affecting performance as the title character Elling. He is an absolute revalation. Adrian Bower gives a touching, and at times also deeply affecting performance as Elling's gormless compatriate. Kier Charles and Ingrid lacey are ultimately left in the shadows by the main protaganists who dominate the stage, but they, never the less, ably support them. I feel that I must not fail to mention Jonathan Cecil who turns in a finely wrought, and delicate performance as Elling's new friend - the poet Alfons. In all it is an absolute joy to watch. If you haven't had a chance to see it pray for an extension or a transfer. - rds | 19 May 07 |
| The story of two asylum inmates being re-intergrated into society acts as an examination of the nature of friendship. Very enjoyable and quite touching in its own way. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and terrific performances from everyone. The entire run is sold out so if you haven't already booked, you'll have to go on a waiting list but it'll be worth it. - Backdrifter | 10 May 07 |
| A complete and utter unexpected delight; laugh out loud funny and genuinely touching, this lovely show sent me out with a real smile on my face. All the cast are superb but John Simm is particularly outstanding as Elling himself: he really should do more stage work. Unmissable. - ajh | 09 May 07 |
