Elling July 29, 2009

Sydney Theatre Company in association with Ambassador Theatre Group presents
Elling
at Riverside Theatres from 29 July – 1 August

A hit on the West End, Elling is a captivating tale starring the hilarious double act Frank Whitten and Darren Gilshenan. Elling charts the journey of two friends making the adjustment back into mainstream society after two years in a mental institution and will play at Riverside Theatres from Wednesday 29 July.

Elling is an enchanting comedy about people coming to terms with the real world. Elling reveals the plight of two dysfunctional social outcasts; Elling an intelligent, self declared mother’s boy and Kjell Bjarne a loud, loveable manchild. Fresh from a mental institution the men are housed in a downtown apartment to enable their reintegration into society. They are supervised by a social worker who initially seems unsympathetic to their ordeals and adventures. Elling meets a famous poet, Kjell falls for a lady and the story unwinds. The contemplative, hilarious play examines the characters in great detail exploring the difficulties faced by those living on the fringe of society. On their search for what it is to be ‘normal’ the oddball pair make some unexpected discoveries about love, sex, food, poetry and the power of friendship.

One of Australia’s best known actors, Pamela Rabe directs Elling, her first mainstage production. Following her acclaimed performance in Sydney Theatre Company’s War of Roses Rabe, a mistress of comedy, interprets her timing and nuance through a cast of talented actors.

Elling has an interesting and involved history. Based on a novel written by one of Norway’s most popular writers, Ingvar Ambjornsen, the original stage adaptation of Elling by Alex Hellstenius in collaboration with Peter Nss was translated by Nicholas Morris. This production of Elling has been adapted by Simon Bent from the hit cult film of the novel which was nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2002. Bent’s adaptation was first performed at London’s Bush Theatre in 2007 and transferred to Trafalgar Studios in the West End after huge success.

Gifted comedic actor Darren Gilshenan plays the role of Elling and brings a wealth of experience to the character. Gilshenan performed in Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Urinetown and has also appeared in numerous productions for Bell Shakespeare including The Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night. Gilshenan’s talent earned him a Helpmann Award for Best Actor in The Servant of Two Masters. He has acted in films such as Gristle, Idiot Box, and Swinger and has featured in various TV series including Full Frontal, A Country Practice and Derrick. Gilshenan is paired with Lachy Hulme, another seasoned performer. Hulme, as Kjell Bjarne, has an extensive performing history including his most recent role in ABC’s series The Hollowmen. He has also starred in televisions series Rush, Stingers and Blue Heelers while his film experience includes roles in BoyTown and The Crocodile Hunter. Glenn Hazeldine, as Frank Asli, has worked for Sydney Theatre Company in The Pig Iron People, Dead White Males and Julius Caesar. His film and television credits include Last Train to Freo, The Mechanicals, Water Rats, Stingers and All Saints. Yael Stone plays the role of Reidun and has previously performed in Frankenstein for Sydney Theatre Company and featured in the film Me, Myself, I. Last year Stone received the 2008 Theatre Award for Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actress. Frank Whitten adds to the depth of experience in his role as Alfons. Whitten starred in Sydney Theatre Company’s productions Julius Caesar, The Comedy of Errors and King Lear. His small screen experience includes All Saints, The Chosen, Good Guys Bad Guys, Heartbreak High and Outrageous Fortune. Whitten’s film credits include King Kong, Peter Pan, The Man Who Sued God, Me Myself I and On Our Selection.

“As odd and endearing as its convoluted origins, this lovely little thing has an enormous heart,” said Sydney Theatre Company’s Artistic Directors Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton.

“Odd in the best sense of the word, just like its characters, Elling is a strange but utterly delightful theatrical gem.” 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.”
The Sydney Morning Herald

ELLING
DATES: Jul 29-Aug 1 TIMES: Wed 29 Jul 8pm, Thurs 30 Jul 6.30pm, Fri 31 Jul 8pm, Sat 1 Aug 2pm & 8pm TICKET PRICES: Mon- Wed Eve & Matinee Adults $50, Conc $45, 30 & Under $37, 16 & Under $33 Riverside Saver Adults $43, Conc $38, 30 & Under $33, 16 & Under $29 Fri & Sat Evening Adults $53, Conc $48, 30 & Under $40, 16 & Under $36 Riverside Saver Adult $46, Conc $41, 30 & Under $36, 16 & Under $32 BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au