Elf The Musical

Amidst the crazy chaos of panto season, I had the great privilege of going to see Scarborough Theatre Company carrying on the musical mayhem with another Christmas themed classic, ‘The Story of Buddy the Elf’. If I thought I could leave the craziness of the panto world for something calmer I was only kidding myself as Elf the Musical is nothing but a crazy, funny, heartwarming family favourite. I always worry that with the motion picture being such a beloved Christmas film that amateur theatre groups may lack the energy and exuberance that those who have seen the movie may come to expect. However, in true Scarborough Theatre Company style they not only achieved it but set a whole new standard for other companies to follow.

I walked into Scarborough Spa and the buzz of anticipation from the audience was already prevalent with the expectations of what was to come. Inside the theatre hall itself the team had done an exceptional job of transforming the hall into a Christmas wonderland with not just the stage being decked but the entirety of the room itself. The set was spectacular with half being oversized books that opened up to allow exceptionally well-timed scene changes and folded out to create other excellently used back drops. Projections were also used to great avail. I have seen on multiple occasions projections being used with slight lapses or disruptions. However, this time it was well timed and used to add to the overall performance.

 The musical numbers were well rehearsed and the entire casts singing performance was wonderful with a great deal of emotion put in by everyone. Martin Richardson, who not only was the musical director but also played Mr Greenway, should be proud of the level of professionalism with everyone’s singing performances. These were accompanied by well-choreographed performances by the Julie Hatton Dancers. These talented group fit in well with the cast and executed the dances perfectly. In some occasions it may have been nice to have some of the none dancing cast incorporated more into some of the dance numbers. Some of the highlights in the song book were ‘Happy All the Time’ which had most of the dancers dancing on their knees which gave great effect and in some cases was difficult to tell that they were. The number ‘Sparkljollytwinklejingley’ (I think spelt write) was so comical and everyone had a chance to shine in the number. My favourite part o this song however had to be from George Wakely as the Manager, who was just so delightfully funny throughout it. The final number of ‘A Christmas Song’ was so heartwarming and had some of the audience singing along with the cast.

The cast as we come to expect with Scarborough Theatre Company were extremely well suited to their roles. There can’t be a Christmas without Santa Claus and Paul Buttner was so joyful and jolly that it set the tone for the entire show. The perfectly petulant Jovie, played by Tilly Jackson, had the perfect amount Christmas humbug mixed with hopefulness of the best to come and shone out with her beautiful rendition of Never Fall in Love. The great hilarity from Sarah Cox and Debs was a joy to be hold and instantly had the audience loving her from her first line, every office should have a Debs. The role of Walter Hobbs played by Jonathon Jeeves was great. It was nice to see this part grow with such effortless ease. The performance of ‘In the Way also highlighted the excellent singing performance brought to this character. One of my favourites singing performances, however, had to be ‘I’ll Believe in You’ sung by Emily Hobs, portrayed by Rebecca Kelly, and Michael Hobbs, played by CJ Wells. These two together gave an exceptional performance and this song had to be one of my favourites in the whole show. These two actors worked so well together and took every opportunity to demonstrate their combined talent.  Now to the man the whole show is about, Buddy, played by the extraordinarily talented Conner Canvess. Is there anything this young man can’t do. His singing was excellent, dancing sublime and acting was perfection. I don’t know where he got his energy from, but he was making me tired watching him. I think his performance of Buddy must go down in History as one of the best.

This show demonstrated the true Christmas Spirit to a packed out audience, whom, if they didn’t come full of the joys of Christmas certainly left with it. Everything from the costumes, to set and to pure acting talent just made this show into an exceedingly good evening and had me singing the songs all the way. A big congratulations to Alex Weatherhill for his creative vision that made this show into what it is and to Martin Richardson for the exceptional singing performance by all.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.