Elf the Musical

Elf is a musical based on the film of the same name, with music by Matthew Skiar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The book is adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan from the 2003 film. It tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making skills cause Santa to tell him the truth. With Santa's permission he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and to discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his stepbrother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy sets out to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The title role of Buddy is pivotal to the whole story so to do justice to it you must have someone who can carry this exacting role, as he is rarely off the stage. Michael Bailey was just that person. He captured the innocence, the cheekiness and the eager to please characteristics of the role perfectly with enthusiastic energy and fun and also managed to tear at the heart-strings when faced with the prospect of being told to leave, forever, his father's house. His singing of the numerous songs was wonderful - a truly great performance. The Hobbs family worked well together which made for a believable family unit. Stuart Ellis was terrific in the role of Walter Hobbs. He admirably portrayed the stern, grumpy and workaholic who neglects his family. His lack of any Christmas spirit was the absolute opposite of Buddy, but he does come round in the end and we see a different side to the character which Stuart played perfectly. His lovable and cheerful wife, Emily, was delightfully played by Lindsay Ellis and the interaction with son Michael, spendidly played by Dougie Moses, was most touching. Korina Steed was first-rate as Jovie, ideally portraying the tough, cynical side and later the softer side of the character. Her singing of 'Never Fall in Love (With an Elf) was divine. Deb was excellently played with natural ease by Sarah Evans and praiseworthy support came from Andrew Bailey as Santa (Narrator) doubling as the villainous and grouchy Mr. Greenway, from John Ellis who was great as Charlie and also as the Manager and from Thomas Bailey and William Woodroffe as Chadwick and Matthews. One special highlight for me was the brilliantly enacted and danced 'Happy All The Time' by the North Pole Elves. They were fabulously attired and to do the whole number on their knees was just exceptional - I loved it. There were seven 'specialist' dancers Poppy Dodsworth, Eleanor Douglas, Olivia Bailey, Lucy Bednall, Amy Gaunt, Daisy Dodsworth and Amy Measures who admirably fronted most of the well executed choreographed numbers and excellent support came from members of the Chorus and from those playing minor named roles.

The stage area is extremely small but good use was made of side projections. There was no scenery as such, the whole area was draped in black curtaining and different scenarios were depicted by the use of excellent props and a back screen. There are so many distinct scene locations in this show which definiely kept the hardworking Stage Crew very busy. In one scene there was a 'skating rink' with the skaters wearing wheeled trainers. It was so innovatively and so effectively achieved as was the 'live' Santa in his sleigh soaring in the sky in the final scene and we also saw the appearance of a very tiny baby dressed in an elf-suit - Buddy and Jovie's child. The costumes throughout were of a very high standard, so colourful, especially those of the elves. It was such a pleasure to see and hear a splendid seven-piece orchestra all donned in elf-hats and together with excellent lighting,super costumes and props and an extremely enthusiastic cast this was a most impressive and entertaining show,

Many congratulations to Director and Musical Director Alison Bailey, to all the other members of the Production Team, to the exuberant cast and to everyone else involved in any capacity. Also, many thanks for the lovely warm welcome and hospitality that I received.

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