Kirjahaku

Three acclaimed plays by an original and exciting voice in British theatre.

A group of twentysomethings hang out on the seafront of a northern resort at the end of the summer season, finding little to relieve the futility and boredom of their lives. Casual sex, mindless violence and comic clashes of outlook permeate this entertaining, contemporary and humane play which paints a believable, touching portrait of modern youth.2 women, 6 men

A pensioner has his council house redecorated by two self-employed chancers. But there are worse crimes than benefit fraud. A richly comic study of politics and wall-papering.

Based on the novel by Ingvar Ambjørnsen, in original stage adaptation by Axel Hellstenius in collaboration with Peter Naess, in a new version by Simon Bent. Mummy’s boy Elling and his roommate, the uncouth, reluctant virgin Kjell Bjarne, are the Odd Couple of Oslo: a pair of confused souls taking their first steps in the outside world after years of isolated, institutional life. Given a flat in the city by social services, they must re-assimilate themselves into society or face a return to the asylum. So it’s simply a question of convincing their social worker that they really are ‘normal’ – even if it does feel safer sleeping in the wardrobe… Based on the award-winning cult film, Elling was first performed at the Bush Theatre in 2007 and transferred to Trafalgar Studios in the West End.

Inspired by John Lahr's biography and the diaries of Joe Orton, this is a darkly funny and moving play. It tells the sensational story behind the life of Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell, holed up in a tiny flat in Islington, trading well-trodden insults and hilarious put-downs like any old married couple.