Review: Elf The Musical at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

★★★

Based on the classic beloved holiday movie, Elf: The Musical brings magic and whimsy in musical form to the stage, spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear in Wolverhampton this winter. Produced by World’s Biggest Productions, the show takes the basis of the movie, using key plot points and well-known quotes that viewers will recognise immediately but also updating, tweaking and adapting the story to make it work in a live stage environment.

Starring Jordan Conway in the lead role of Buddy the Elf, depicted in the film by Will Ferrell, the actor has big floppy Elf shoes to fill and although his characterisation is different from Ferrell’s, it is very clear that Conway greatly enjoys the chaotic energy of this role, and the laughter he brings with it.

Conway is joined by Kelly Banlaki as Jovie, Barry Bloxham as Walter Hobbs, Nikita Coulon as Emily Hobbs, Karis Lomax as Michaela Hobbs, Natalie Gray as Debs, Joe Speare as Store Manager, Dafydd Lansley as Mathews, Philip Day as Santa, and Sam Kane as Greenway. The production also features an ensemble cast.

The musical opens with an audience sing-along which tells you straight away the level of energy expected for this production. Styled much like a pantomime, there are moments of audience interaction throughout including call and response and even a snowball fight (although not for the scene you might be thinking of if you’re a fan of the film). There are even the classic panto innuendos and jokes designed for adult viewers, making this show a great fit for families.

Elf the Musical features original songs, with showtunes meeting carolling and Christmas jingles. Over-the-top funny acting and lively dancing are accompanied by digital backdrop screens which aid flashback storytelling and setting, for example pulling viewers to iconic New York landmarks. Particularly successful in the Rockefeller Center ice skating scene which utilises the screens and performers on roller blades to bring the festive magic to life. Sometimes though, the screen depicts weird animations of dancing snowman or santas that in some ways distract from the on-stage actions; these may, however, be used to entertain an audience of children from a digital generation.

Designed predominately for family viewing, Elf: The Musical is slightly cheesy at times, with Christmas cracker comedy and exaggerated humour. But, with a soaring finale as Santa takes to the skies, funny lines woven throughout and of course plenty of Christmas spirit, Elf The Musical is festive feel-good entertainment for all ages.

Elf: The Musical runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 16^th November so grab tickets while you can or feel like a “cotton-headed ninny muggins” for missing out. This production is touring the UK and plays at Valliant Live, Derby (16^th & 17^th December).

This review was written following a press invite to the production.