Elf the Musical

MYT’s latest offering was the Christmas story of an elf called Buddy in ‘Elf The Musical’ at Middlesbrough Theatre.

The show is based on the film Elf, starring Will Ferrell, with a score by Matthew Skylar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin with the story book adapted from the film by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan. 

After Santa and Mrs Claus (Henry Mohan and Matilda Oxley) have opened the show, we meet Buddy the Elf, played superbly by Jamie Collict in the team I saw, working hard amongst Santa’s elves. He stands out a little, as he is twice as tall as them. This is explained when he discovers he is neither Santa’s son, nor an elf, but a human being who fell out of Santa’s sleigh, on his return from delivering presents, many years ago.

When Buddy realises he is not like the other elves, he decides that he wants to go out and find his father so he sets off into the world, well New York City, to find Walter Hobbs, his real father played with force and attitude by Luke Pemberton and a step-mother, Emily played with devotion in this performance by Emily Felgate. Add into the mix, Buddy’s younger brother Michael, played by Oliver Nesbitt and Buddy the Elf has a ready made family.

Walter Hobbs is dismissive initially but Emily and Michael find themselves rooting for their new found, rather strange family member. Buddy gets a job in a local Toy Store where he meets the pretty Jovie, played in the performance by Izzy Hall. Buddy pursues Jovie but naturally, the course of true love does not run smoothly when Buddy turns up very late for a reluctant date, Buddy has been busy trying to educate his family, particularly his father, into the real spirit of Christmas but he makes it just in time.

The music is very audience friendly. The show was tracked instead of a live orchestra but it did not take any of the spectacle away. Sound and lighting were superb and I particularly liked the moving projections. Whoever made them is very talented in graphic work.

Everyone on that stage had their own individual character to play which they did with huge effort and enjoyment. Will Ferrell is a hard act to follow but Jamie did it justice. Funny when he needed to be, moving when he needed to be, and he demonstrates an effective singing voice when he has the opportunity.

The musical has an entertaining script and score and the whole cast work hard to bring out all the amusing lines and moments. The principals develop their individual characters well and I really enjoyed watching the bad tempered Walter Hobbs turn throughout the story into a great father for Buddy. Not easy to do for adults let alone youngsters but Luke managed it seemingly with ease.

On the production side, Wendy Lowe and David Tuffnell shared the role of Director and along with Janice Carmo as Choreographer and Sam Readman as Vocal Mistress, they managed a large cast of over 40, with a wide age range, very well in a sparkling production which the audience clearly enjoyed.

This was a real festive feel good show which clearly got the audiences into the festive spirit of Christmas.

Well done to all involved. MYT never cease to amaze me with the talent our Youth have in our area and you keep going from strength to strength.

Dan Matuszak – NODA District 8 Representative

 

 

From Michelle Coulson – Youth Coordinator:

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing the alternate principal cast members in this very entertaining production. 

Matthew Walker was endearing as Buddy and gave a really strong vocal performance, it is a tricky role to play getting the balance right character wise so he doesn't come across as just "silly" and I feel Matthew achieved this well. Lucy McNaught gave a mature performance as Buddy's step mum Emily Hobbs, a really strong interpretation and Georgia Lamb as Jovie had beautiful vocals and gave a moving portrayal of her character's conflicted feelings for Buddy.

As always with this group the standard of overall performance and choreography was excellent and it was a super way to start the festive season. 

Michelle Coulson

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