Elf The Musical

Christmas well and truly arrived in Bristol this week with BLOC Production’s performance of Elf The Musical, music by Matthew Skylar with lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Based on the 2003 film Elf, the book is adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan and follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find and bond with his biological father, after discovering that he himself, is in fact, not an Elf - something he had spent most of his life thinking. Knowing that his father is on the naughty list and his Stepmother and Half-Brother do not even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help them and the rest of New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Selling out the 2000 capacity Bristol Hippodrome is not an easy job, but seats for this production were snapped up and sold out well in advance of show week. The audience full of excited children, (and Adults) dressed up in their Elf and Christmas outfits... along with a party of about twenty grown up elves all sat excited for the show to start.

The production values were extremely high for this production, it wasn’t until I looked at the programme that I realised the set was designed by director John Cousins and built by Sam Davies and members of the stage crew and not hired in. I understand they had hired in a revolve which unfortunately broke during the Friday performance and was unable to be repaired for the remainder of the run which was very disappointing for them. It was very well covered, with staging, lighting plots and scene changes all having to be adjusted very quickly, so well done all for that, to be honest If I hadn’t been informed in advance, I don’t think I would have been aware of any difficulties it was covered so well. The special effects in the second half worked brilliantly, the children and adults in the audience loved the flying sleigh and the falling snow. Sound and Lighting all worked well to enhance the performances. The costumes were well thought out and in keeping. I particularly enjoyed the costumes in the final scene, a nice Christmassy touch.

Santa entered to a big cheer from the audience setting the scene and telling the story of Buddy The Elf was played expertly  with strong vocals and the masses of energy and enthusiasm that the role demands. The actor was  convincing as the stressed and grumpy Walter Hobbs. The long-suffering Emily Hobbs performing was a highlight for me, the duet “I Believe In You” with Michael was a beautiful song. Michael was outstanding - a real triple threat emerging (I am sure the other actor who shared the role was as equally outstanding). The disillusioned Jovie had a lovely voice. Deb, Store Manager along with  Chadwick and Matthews all brought out the comedic aspects of their roles to great effect. We also had a suitably disdainful and workaholic Ms Greenway.

The ensemble was extremely strong throughout, Musical Director Brendan Casey and assistant MD Ashleigh Powell clearly worked hard with the vocals. The dancing was well rehearsed, and it was lovely to see the whole ensemble tap dancing, well done to choreographer Jacquie Bell. I also particularly enjoyed “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus” a great number.

I think Director John Cousins and the whole production team, and everyone involved onstage and behind the scenes can be enormously proud of what they have achieved, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and look forward to what you do next

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

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