Elling

Synopsis

What's the point of ever going out when you can get pizza delivered, and all the sex you want on the phone? And who needs a bed to sleep in when there's a perfectly good wardrobe to stand the night in? First there was Walter Mattau and Jack Lemmon; now meet Elling and Kjell Bjarne, the Odd Couple of the dysfunctional world. Given a flat in the centre of Oslo by social services, their mission is to re-assimilate themselves back into society. It's that or return to the asylum. All they have to do is convince their social worker, Frank, that they really are 'normal'...

Our Review:

10 July 2007

There is a little gem of a performance in London right now from John Simm as the fastidious, fussing mother’s boy in Elling, newly transferred from the Bush to the more expansive main house of the Trafalgar Studios.

Paul Miller’s bright and breezy production retains the same cast: Adrian Bower as Elling’s looming, chick-crazed partner in their emergence from state institution to “normal” life in Oslo; Ingrid Lacey as their catalytic nurse and pregnant neighbour; Keir Charles as the social worker; and Jonathan Cecil, more at ease now, less nerve-wracking, as the ageing poet.

I still find the play – adapted by Simon Bent from a cult Norwegian film - essentially joyless and less than fall-over funny. But Simm creates an authentic comic archetype with his neat steps and blank, mole-like expression, clutching his suitcase like a comfort rag, dispensing opinions with a tentative finality, his recurring oratorical backward hand gesture evapora...

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Latest User Review

J.O. - 7 October 2007:

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!!! ...

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