Melbourne Theatre Company The University Of Melbourne
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Performance Codes:

  • A Audio Described Performance
  • C Captioned Performance
  • E Education Performance
  • O Opening Night Performance
  • P Preview Performance
  • T Tactile Tour

 

 

Elling

Based on a novel by Ingvar Ambjørnsen
  • Stage adaptation by Axel Hellstenius in collaboration with Petter Næss. 
    Translated by Nicholas Norris, adapted by Simon Bent.


    ‘Clever, good-looking and well acted’ - The Australian
    ‘A laugh-out-loud funny tale ... sure to warm even the coldest of hearts’ - Time Out
    ‘This odd couple survives, thrives and makes us laugh in their chaotic journey to fulfillment’ - Herald Sun 

    It’s a scary world out there and Elling would rather have nothing to do with it. His mother used to take care of everything, until she died, leaving him middle-aged and institutionalised. Now Social Services want him to learn some life-skills. They give him a flat, an equally hopeless flatmate called Kjell, and a big push. Like two non-swimmers out of their depth, Elling and Kjell grab hold of each other in the hope of staying afloat.

    Sink or swim. This laugh-wrenching hit comedy from Simon Bent, based on the Oscar-nominated film, brings this odd couple to the stage with charm, humour and compassion. In this new production, Darren Gilshenan revives his acclaimed role as Elling, once again directed by Pamela Rabe.

    Warning: contains strong language. Thinking of bringing young people to the theatre? View our Parents' Guide for information about suitability. 

    Key Photography by Marcel Aucar , Production Photography by Jeff Busby. 

     

  • JavaScript must be enabled and Flash must be installed to view videos.
    • Elling trailer (1.00)

      Watch our short animated trailer for the production.
    • Season 2012 Launch - Elling (1:54)

      Director Pamela Rabe introduces Elling at our 2012 Season Launch.
    Trailer Video by Sunny Leunig. Season Launch video by Josh Burns.
  • Cast
    Ronald Falk
    Darren Gilshenan
    Emily Goddard
    Bert LaBonté
    Hayden Spencer

    Creative
    Director - Pamela Rabe
    Set & Costume Designer - Christina Smith
    Lighting Designer - Matt Scott
    Sound Designer/Composer - David Franzke
    Additional Sound - Max Lyandvert

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