Sydney Theatre Company in association with Ambassador Theatre Group present
Elling
After two years of sharing a room in a mental institution Elling (Darren Gilshenan) and Kjell (Lachy Hulme) are allowed out, back into society. It’s not that they’re dangerous, they’re just a little… hopeless.
Elling is too smart. Too sensitive. Too… Elling. And Kjell? Well, Kjell has a plan, a dream, a great ambition. He wants to lose his virginity. Preferably today.
Elling charts the bumps and stumbles as this truly odd couple make their way back into the world we take for granted. Over the course of the play they will build friendships, become accustomed to all things ordinary and start to experience the pleasure of the everyday.
Based on the cult Norwegian film of the same name, Simon Bent’s adaptation of Elling was first performed at London’s Bush Theatre in 2007 and, due to its huge success, went on to transfer to Trafalgar Studios in the West End.
Even the hardest heart will struggle not to be touched by the characters’ plight and the joy with which they discover the richness of life in the ‘real’ world. Pamela Rabe directs this charming celebration of the simple things in life: freedom and fellowship.
2 hours 10 minutes + interval
Warning: Occasional strong language
Reviews
"Odd in the best sense of the word, just like its characters, Elling is a strange but utterly delightful theatrical gem.... Gilshenan and Hulme are marvellous and bring exquisite sensitivity and sympathy to their roles, using beautifully measured physical humour to explore the depths of these complicated characters." The Daily Telegraph
"The casting by director Pamela Rabe is a delight as Gilshenan and Hulme spark off each other as they deal with each other's mania.... two wonderfully realised characters." The Sun Herald
"Gilshenan, for my money the country's finest comic actor, brings physical grace and delicacy to Elling....A reminder that sometimes you have to let go to get on." The Sydney Morning Herald
Your Say
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This is a great play. One of the best productions I have seen for quite a while. Thank you all.- Gary
Saw the preview last night and it inspired me to make a comment. Loved it! The cast are terrific and believable. Best of year for me! Don't miss it! - Steve
I really enjoyed this play, the cast and the clever production that made me enjoy every second! The story is so simple, but at the same time pretty deep, in a funny way. I really felt for the characters and loved the way to developed throughout the play. Very good. - Annukka
Better than the movie - a quaint, quirky and delightful production. The ensemble really click. I loved all the genuine Norwegian details. - Emerson
Elling is a beautiful play and enlarges the circle of what it is to be sane - actors great too - Cooper
We enjoyed the play which was amusing and compassionate. Highly recommended! - Julie
My daughter (she is 40 so no need giving you my age)and yours truly thought the play was brilliant, well acted, well directed, good content and of course humourous - Larry
A truly wonderful and enthralling piece of theatre. The cast and director brought this difficult subject matter to life in a very sensitive (and amusing) way. Well done - we loved it! - Deborah
Loved it, one of the best we've seen in the 4 years we've been subscribing. Wonderfully cast, it was funny and touching. PS: 2009 season for us so far has been a great improvement on previous years - Colleen
As a long-term subscriber, this production was a highlight for me. I thought the performances were astonishing and profoundly moving. The audience cheered at the end of the performance. - Carolyn
We all really enjoyed Elling. Unsure of what to expect, it was so charming! The performances were outstanding, making it impossible not to be invested in Elling and Kjell's journey. Beautiful characters! - Kylie
This play is another that slips into your mind and helps you to understand people who are often a mystery to the rest of us. I enjoyed the play during the performance, but I think I appreciate it more after a few days reflection. Another great day out in this excellent season for STC! - Sue
I thought this production was fantastic. Many of your plays have been dark or very serious with long complicated speaches but this was a serious topic but fun at the same time. It was engaging and thoroughly entertaining. I thought the casting was excellent, and Frank Witten still has his magic touch. NOt predictable, with a much happier ending than I expected. I would also like to say how much I have enjoyed all the plays seen so far this year. Thank you - Bryn
Enjoyed the play. Well produced and acted and very clearly spoken. Utterly charming! - Judy
I was a bit apprehensive when reading the storyline, but that dissolved into laughter and compassion for the beautifully developed characters. Enjoyed the night! thank you - Renee
My friends & I thoroughly enjoyed this play. I was the best STC experience I've had for a long time & I have never heard an audience give such enthusiastic applause for a show. All actors were wonderful. And I have been recommending it to friends. - Pam
Absolutely loved it! Having worked in mental health for a few years, it really resonated the common behaviours but showed the struggle for independence and individuality in a positive and light-hearted way. - Jen
I love elling it was engaging and charming i fell in love with the off beat characters and felt it was cast very well. I think it went for just a tad to long but i am unsure how it could have been shortened. Like every play i have been to in the last two seasons this was a delight to see. This is my third season with STC and i have noted a vast improvemnt in all aspects of my membership. - Katrina
A beautiful and entertaining play with a terrific cast and wonderful use of the theatre. Loved it! (Especially the inclusion of Norway's Eurovision entry!) 5 stars! - MB
Loved every minute of it!! Definitely the best STC production I have seen in a while. Comedy with compassion! Actors were superb. - Jenny
