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Press Releases
JOHN SIMM AND ADRIAN BOWER STAR IN ‘ELLING’ AT TRAFALGAR STUDIOS 1
Issued : 18 June 2007
Following on from the internationally loved hit film and book, Simon Bent’s new adaptation of “ELLING”, which had a highly acclaimed, sell-out run at The Bush Theatre, will now transfer to London’s most innovative theatre venue, Trafalgar Studios in the West End from Friday 6 July, starring John Simm (Doctor Who, Life on Mars) in the title role and Adrian Bower (Teachers), as ‘Kjell Bjarne’. Also in the cast are Jonathan Cecil, Keir Charles and Ingrid Lacey.
With echoes of Laurel and Hardy and “Of Mice and Men”, 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.
In a unique partnership, John Simm and Adrian Bower play the two central roles. John Simm is best known for his television roles in “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 can currently be seen in the new drama series “Talk To Me” and is probably best known as ‘Brian Steadman’ in three series of Channel 4’s “Teachers”, and his other TV work includes highly acclaimed dramas “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 of the same name. The original stage adaptation was by Axel Hellstenius, in collaboration with Petter Naess. Simon Bent’s English adaptation is directed by Paul Miller (currently directing “The Enchantment” at the National Theatre) and designed by Simon Daw, with lighting by Mark Doubleday and sound by Jack C Arnold.
The Bush Theatre production of “ELLING” will be produced in the West End by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group, David Parfitt for Trademark and Finola Dwyer.
Operated by Ambassador Theatre Group, Trafalgar Studios is attracting a wider audience to the West End, by offering highly inventive and uniquely challenging theatre. It is also a gateway for diverse and new work that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play in Central London.
Booking information:
Performance times at Trafalgar Studio One will be Mondays-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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For further information, please contact David Bradbury, ATG Group Press Officer on 01782 211 206 or email davidbradbury@theambassadors.com
Editorial Note:
The £750k redevelopment of Trafalgar Studios began in May 2004 with the opening of the 400-seat Studio 1, with a sell-out run of the RSC’s Othello starring Anthony Sher. The intimate 100-seat Studio 2 was opened in November 2005, thanks to a generous donation by entrepreneur and patron of the arts, Christina Smith. Ambassador Theatre Group is currently the largest theatre group in the West End and the second largest in the UK, with a total of 23 venues.
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