Elf The Musical Jr

It is perhaps one of the most debated topics out there, what is the greatest Christmas Movie of all time. Well for me you can keep your Muppets and your Home Alones because there is only one winner, Elf! So imagine how excited I was to be able to join Darlington Academy of Performing Arts for their production of Elf The Musical Jr and it most certainly didn’t disappoint.

The production team had done a wonderful job ensuring that the whole theatre was packed with festive sparkle from the main entrance right through to the main stage area which was awash with festive merriment. There was lovely detailing in the staging from a giant tree, wheel on desks and office equipment, beautiful foam white trees with led lights creating a great backdrop and a really clever use of 4 large monitors that acted as windows showcasing Elf running through the snow and Santa flying past in his sleigh. Really clever technology allowing the show to run without unnecessary scene changes. 

The scenery was matched in attention to detail with excellent costumes, all really accurate to the film. There was a great contrast in the everyday workwear to the vibrant and colourful Elf and Santa suits. The lighting and sound added to the whole effect of the production and it was great to see that the main running of the show, overseen by Joanne Mason and Laura Pattison, was carried out by Junior members of the company. With a lot of scene changes in the show the cast and dressed up stagecrew all carried these out in character helping to keep the story flowing.

DAPA, due to the numbers currently within the Academy chose to split the 4 shows into 4 completely different casts. Whilst this is brilliant as it allows all of the Juniors to get an opportunity to showcase their skills in principal roles it can somewhat affect the natural flow. There were a few little blips in the performance I saw but what was excellent is how well these young actors worked through it together, demonstrating how close a group they are and how adaptable they all are on stage. 

I had the privilege of watching Team Jolly on my visit and what a great show they put on. There was so much energy and talent on the stage, not only from the main characters but also from a well rehearsed ensemble who jumped from Elf to Fake Elf to office worker throughout the production. It was clear just how much fun they were all having with some excellent choreography and really clear and confident singing from the whole group. I especially loved their number Sparklejollytwinklejingley and both versions of the Christmas Song.

Elf! Has some real iconic characters in it and none more so than the title character itself and Jake Shaw had the tricky task of recreating this character and they did so with great success. All of the elements of the famous character were perfect from the loud screams, ridiculously long held words and most importantly the huge energy levels bounding around the stage excellently. To create a character that has a perfect mix of annoying and hyperactive is a real skill but Jake pulled it whilst showcasing some really strong vocal skills. It was lovely to see some real understanding of the character knowing when to show off a vulnerable side and also capturing emotion in the character. Jake’s on stage chemistry with his fellow performers was clear to see, no more so than with Penny Kipling playing Jake’s love interest, Jovie.

Penny again proved just how much she is improving not only as an actress but also as an incredibly talented vocalist with a really polished performance as the lovable shop worker. There was a real sass to her characterisation where she initially gives Buddy the Cold shoulder gradually warming to his childlike charm as the story develops. Penny really stood out in the main company numbers and completely owned the stage with an exceptional performance of Never Fall In Love (With an Elf). Even a technical glitch with the backing track couldn’t throw her off her stride and she handled it like a true pro. Really great performance and I look forward to seeing how far this young lady can go.

There was a really lovely feel to the dynamics in the Hobbs family with all three members really well cast. Isla Scott as Walter Hobbs really captured the grumpy and stressed side of the character, snappy one-liners thrown at the family and a complete impatience with his new son were well handled. Isla showed a great change in personality warming to Buddy and showing a much more paternal side as the story developed. Emily Hobbs is a lovely character in the movie and Laila Clegg was brilliant as the long suffering wife of Walter. She delivered a real maternal side to her character oozing warmth and compassion. Laila, although a bit nervous to start, really blossomed into the role and showed a lovely tone to her voice in the I’ll Believe in You. I’d have loved to see another performance of this talented actress to see how much progress she had made. Her on-stage connection with Jude Rees as her son Michael was really honest and believable, their lines really clicked together and their duet together was seriously impressive with Jude showing off his stunning voice. With a big shortage of talented young boys who can sing, dance and act in the Theatre DAPA had better watch out as this young man has a very bright future ahead of him. 

Other key roles in the story gave many members of the cast to shine. Alice Pearson was suitably strict as the Manager of the store delivering her lines with confidence and great diction. Leah Sorrie had a great strut and stride about her marching into Hobb’s office as Greenway, the demanding owner of the Book firm. Daisy Lee gave a lovely performance as Santa, narrating the majority of the opening and building an instant connection with Buddy. The sitting on the knee scene added some great visual comedy. Jessica Raw really shone in her role as Deb, Hobb’s secretary. This young actress really captured all the elements of a nosey secretary, from her excellent inquisitive telephone manner to the cheeky glances from behind her glasses she was excellent to watch, really brightening up some quieter scenes. 

Director’s Joanne and Paul Mason really gave themselves a mammoth task with this production and must be commended for giving so many of their students a moment in the spotlight. Directing 1 show is hard enough but having to do it 4 times must be mind-blowing. Despite this challenger the production really brought the show to life. The audience felt connected with the characters, the big scenes were lively with lots of good routines and big songs well produced. My love for this heart-warming story continues and I can’t wait to join you all for your Pantomime in just a few weeks. Time to see if the adults can match the energy and talent of their Junior members.

 

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