'Elling' to Close 10/6; UK Tour Planned

Simon Bent's new adaptation of Elling, which transferred to Trafalgar Studios in the West End on July 6, following a critically acclaimed, sell-out run at The Bush Theatre, will finish on Saturday October 6.  A national UK tour is planned for Spring 2008.

The production stars John Simm in the title role and Adrian Bower as Kjell Bjarne.  Also in the cast are Jonathan Cecil, Keir Charles and Ingrid Lacey.

"Simon Bent's hilarious, touching and life-affirming adaptation of Elling shows how two patients from a Norwegian mental asylum manage to survive when released.  Given a flat in Oslo by social services, it is the mission of this Norwegian Odd Couple to re-assimilate themselves into society, or risk returning to the asylum.  Their oddball friendship becomes the solid basis for a functioning, if unconventional, relationship with the outside world," state press notes.

John Simm and Adrian Bower play the two central roles.  John Simm is best known for his television roles in "Doctor Who", "Life On Mars", "Sex Traffic", "State of Play", "Crime and Punishment" and "The Lakes", as well as films including 24 Hour Party People, Wonderland and Human Traffic.  His theatre credits include Danny Rule at the Royal Court and Goldhawk Road at The Bush Theatre. 

Adrian Bower is probably best known as Brian Steadman in three series of Channel 4's "Teachers", and his other TV work includes dramas "Talk To Me", "Faith" and "Dirty Filthy Love".  His theatre work includes The Hotel In Amsterdam (Donmar), In Celebration (Chichester), Brassed Off (National Theatre) and The Knocky (Royal Court).

Ingvar Ambjørnsen's novel has already been turned into a cult Norwegian and Oscar-nominated film.  The original stage adaptation was by Axel Hellstenius, in collaboration with Petter Naess.  Simon Bent's English adaptation is directed by Paul Miller and designed by Simon Daw, with lighting by Mark Doubleday and sound by Jack C Arnold.

Performance times at Trafalgar Studio One are Mondays through Saturdays at 7:30PM with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2:30PM. Tickets priced from £25.00-£42.50, can be purchased from the Trafalgar Studios Box Office on 0870 060 6632 or online at www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios

 

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