Elf The Musical Jr.

William “Buddy” Hobbs is mistakenly transported as a baby to Santa’s HQ at the North Pole. When he discovers he is not really an elf, he begins the search for his family back in New York. Based on the film of the same name, this is a really heart-warming tale that is absolutely guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit (even in October) and keep you grinning like an idiot from start to finish, especially when presented by Fareham Musical Society's Youth Theatre, a talented group of young people.

Buddy is big part, the character hardly ever off stage, but Cameron Hall really shone in the role. His characterisation was spot-on, making Buddy relentlessly – even annoyingly - cheerful and optimistic but giving him real innocence and charm. He handled all of his songs and dances with great confidence and style, whether they were solos or big company numbers.

He was very well supported by the rest of the enormous cast. Freya O’Grady as Jovie, the girl he falls in love with, showed just the right amount of shyness and reluctance to become involved with an elf, and her solo number ‘Never Fall In Love With An Elf’ was a delight.

Joseph Townsend-Bilton, Kirsty Wareham-Collins and Billy Campbell worked really well together as Buddy’s new family, initially resenting his intrusion but quickly coming to accept and love him – great singing too. Anna Reynolds showed real style as Deb, Walter Hobbs’ secretary, and her exit after the story of the new leg was an absolute hoot! Scarlett Stones (the Macy’s Store Manager) and Amy Campbell (TV reporter Charlotte Dennon), both really impressed me with the strength of their acting and stage presence.

The whole cast worked so well together as a team. Everyone maintained their American accents throughout, they handled the set changes very efficiently, the dance numbers were well-coordinated, lively and colourful and, most of all, they all looked like they were having a fantastic time! Also impressive was how the entire cast managed without personal mics. While some could do with a little more projection, they were all a model of clarity and I had no trouble hearing any of the dialogue or vocals, even against the backing tracks that were used.

This group benefits from strong direction on stage and also dedicated backstage support. Not only can they muster chaperones for a cast of forty seven, but a talented wardrobe team to kit them out with brightly coloured and appropriate costumes – hand made. The set too (by Scenery Solutions) was top quality with four moveable flats depicting the North Pole on one side and a New York skyline on the other. Lighting too was simple but effective, although Walter Hobbs’ office was a little under-lit.

FMS Youth Theatre must be applauded for the consistently high standards they achieve, not just on stage but with all the other details that are sometimes overlooked such as the front of house welcome, quality publicity photos - even down to the design of the tickets. I don’t normally mention programmes, but I really enjoyed the biographies, obviously written by the cast themselves and printed without change - they were so honest and spoke volumes.

Sparklejollytwinklejingly describes this show perfectly – you couldn’t help smiling all the way through and going home feeling uplifted. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.

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