Elf the musical

The East Anglian Premiere of ‘Elf’ the musical, and what a show and delighted at the total sell-out of the run, what a crowd in the Playhouse.  I must be one of a few not to have seen the film. So did not know what to expect, but think I shall have the chance to catch up on the film over the Christmas period!

A lot of pressure doing an area premiere (with a very limited release of copyright) and certainly Threshold rose to the challenge and you can be very proud of the society and what was achieved in this Christmas special.  Certainly director Dan Rayner found an astonishing cast to work so hard, MD Artemis Reed (and his excellent band) got all the notes to full tone and volume, and choreographer Lisa Rowe had a team of synchronised and dance/chorus specials who moved with slick and energetic movement, congratulations to all the teams who contributed to this production. Sets from Scenic Projects and colourful costumes from Leo’s Theatrical Costumiers with great lighting Matt Cross all added to the feast for the eyes.

As Santa Claus, Richard Delahaye expanded his existing beard and his waistline and wholesome jollity and entered into the Christmas spirit of the piece, very jolly but also empathy to rather large Elf. Loved his team of colourful elves as they toiled so hard for him in the workshop, great fun for all.

And to the title role, a newcomer to the district in 2018 and working as a marine biologist, Joe Perry was quite outstanding in his realisation of Buddy the Elf, the energy exploited, the huge vocal range at top volume even when rushing around the stage, his friendly manner to all, his disappointment at not being an elf and his need to be a part of a family all came over in his acting, great sense of timing, this was a performance extravagant in the giving and I fail to think of this show without his presence in those yellow tights, perfection in casting.

As the girlfriend that Buddy does not know how to woo, a sad person without support of friends but wanting to give, Megan Arterton as Jovie gave a sympathetic and supportive presentation, vocally very good, she was a best youth performer when in NYMT and has gone n from strength to strength.

To the office in New York and a very strong performance in character and the vocals from Sara Crowley, this Deb was definitely a controlling but talented person. And to Mr Greenway from John Knowlden, not a very nice person with his demands and blustering, but the family won with the story of Buddy the Elf!

And to the Hobbs family and their personalities and attitudes, not into Christmas, should they take in the homeless elf and what do they think about him being family, all these situations came over well from the overworked and time-loss Walter of Ian Chisholm who could not spare time for family. The wife who tried to be peacemaker and solve problems, Sam Parker as Emily gave a warmth and sympathy to the situations and helped the story, very much the centre of family. And what to say about Korben White as young Michael Hobbs, this year, at 12 years, I have already seen him as Benji in Priscilla and Puck in Midsummer Night so very versatile. This role was an excellent vehicle for his talents and he gelled with Buddy in the scenes, showed his disappointment for family feelings and the lack of Christmas until all turned with the visit of Santa, a powerful singing voice, good acting skills, and great stage personality, I shall watch his future with great anticipation.

Altogether an evening of fun and joy, huge energy from this cast and team, what a pleasure to treat NODA National President and the packed houses to an evening which shows what we can do in a talented Norfolk.

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