Elf The Musical Jr

The final Top Box show of 2024 – incredibly the ninth show that this hugely industrious team have put on during the year – was Elf, The Musical Jr.  And it proved to be a fitting way to bring the year to a close.  Entering the packed out Greig theatre, the audience were seated around tables, which made for a very convivial atmosphere and seemed appropriate with Christmas just around the corner.

Elf, The Musical, is based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film of the same name.  It charts the adventures of Buddy, an elf in Santa’s North Pole workshop who, on discovering that he is in fact a human, sets out to discover his family.  Inevitably, the interloper is not initially welcomed, but a combination of his relentless optimism and his Christmassy spirit wins through in the end. 

The tale zips through a variety of locations, and many of these were well evoked during Top Box’s performance.  From Santa’s workshop, to Buddy’s father’s office in the Empire State Building via Times Square, to Macy’s department store, the backdrops and set dressing did a good job of transporting us through the tale.  I particularly liked the baubles in Macy’s and Santa’s sleigh was also nicely done. 

The performances of Elf Jr. were split between Top Box’s Redditch and Stratford-upon Avon Companies.  On the occasion of my visit, it was the Redditch Company on stage, with NODA Regional Councillor Andy Brown visiting the Stratford Company a couple of days later (his comments on that performance can be found later in this report). 

But there was one performer that spanned both Companies, Corbyn G-T, who played Buddy – the elf who finds out he’s a human.  Corbyn was excellent in the role, his portrayal full of energy and enthusiasm, keeping up Buddy’s indefatigable joie de vivre no matter the circumstances.  Great casting and a great performance, one that was matched by Isla C as Buddy’s love interest, Jovie.  This was another strong performance, full of confidence, very well acted and sung - especially ‘Never Fall in Love with an Elf’.  Having previously seen Isla impress as Eponine in Top Box’s Les Misérables, and now as Jovie, it’s clear that she is one to watch!

As Buddy’s new-found family, Brody H showed us the heart beneath Walter Hobbs’ brusque exterior, whilst Willow H and Peggy C formed a charming double act as Emily and Michael Hobbs – their songs ‘I Believe in You’ and ‘There is a Santa Claus’ were highlights.  The scene in which Buddy was sent away from the family home was particularly well acted, really bringing out the emotion of the situation.  A word too for Louie W’s hard-nosed employer Mr Greenway – showing a great accent and spot-on characterisation.  Felix W also caught the eye as the Manager at Macy’s, making the most of his stage time as he barked out orders and later provided a supportive ear to Buddy.  Daniel B also did well as Santa Claus, particularly as he recounted the story of Buddy coming to the North Pole. 

The large ensemble cast (there were fifty-two performers in total!) all played their role in supporting the principals.  The singing was to a high standard throughout, as the group portrayed everything from elves (resplendent in green and red) to carollers (lots of great Christmas jumpers and hats on display!)  The cast kept the pace up well and showed plenty of Christmas spirit – more than enough to get Santa’s sleigh on the move again!  There wasn’t a huge amount of movement in this show – perhaps because the stage was often crammed full of performers! – but there were some good actions which were neatly choreographed and well delivered.  The final scenes, as Santa was saved by an outpouring of Christmas spirit, brought the show to a heart-warming conclusion.

Turning now to the comments from Andy Brown, it would be remiss not to mention the team who had the honour of performing the final performance of Elf The Musical Jr.  I can only echo the comments made by Chris Davies as the Regional Representative in District 5. The cabaret seating arrangement was ideal for this show rather than the traditional theatre auditorium style. I too really liked the giant-sized baubles and of course the sleigh.

Chris has already fully described the superb performance of Corbyn G-T as Buddy the rather tall elf (he is human as we now know) as he also performed with the Stratford-Upon- Avon team.  Top Box are in an enviable position as the Stratford team did, it would appear, performed to an equally high standard. A strong performance was also given by Madison G as Jovie from this team meaning Corbyn had worked with two talented actors. 

So as for the others. It is difficult to pick out individuals as everyone put in a notable performance for which they should be proud so well done to everyone.

Walter Emily and Michael from the Stratford team were played by Harry W, Aidan D and Phoebe Skye B.  Full of Christmas spirt (not) was Jack T as Mr Greenway and our Santa was Chloe M with the manager played by Ella C.

Although the Starford team was slightly smaller they did nevertheless also fill the stage.

Elf Jr was a show full of ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley’ fun, in no small part down to the efforts of Top Box creative team Tracy Anne Wright and Georgie Pearce.  Congratulations to them and to all of their young performers.  It continues to be a joy to see them relishing being on stage, long may their success continue.  I hope that they find a bit of time for a break over Christmas, because there’s certainly no slowing down, as the group have four show scheduled for the first three months of 2025! 

Until then, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from us both!

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