Ask anyone what their favourite Christmas films are and Elf will inevitably be up there. Buoyant Will Ferrell, singing and silliness and just the right amount of schmaltz to give you the festive feels – it ticks all the boxes. So as a self-confessed enthusiast for all things Yuletide and a long time musical fan, I was made up at the chance to see Elf the Musical. To say festive cheer has been in scant supply this year would be an understatement, and so with a month to go until the big day I was absolutely ready for Buddy the Elf and friends to send some joy my way.
And there was much joy to be had. The staging is top notch; with ever shifting back drops, moving scenery and a sleigh that gives Back to the Future’s Delorian a run for its money, the action shifts seamlessly from Santa’s North Pole abode to stylish New York. This production is as slick as they come, and everyone’s game is raised as a result. The orchestra is absolutely superb, the choreography (Liam Steel) is joyful, and the ensemble are all stars in their own right. The portrayal of the elves is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and the costumes and set design (Tim Goodchild) are full of colour and sparkle. Everything here just works.
In terms of individual performances, Logan Clark as Buddy’s brother Michael Hobbs is outstanding – a commanding, confident performance, it was a delight to see such a young actor owning such a big role. I hope for great things for him in the future. Dermot Canavan as Buddy’s department store boss pitches his performance perfectly, and Rebecca Lock and Tom Chambers as Emily and Walter Hobbs both give strong performances. Simon Lipkin as Buddy the Elf was something of a grower. It’s no easy task to take on a role synonymous with a universally loved actor, and especially one that requires so much energy. After what I felt was a bit of a flat beginning, Lipkin seems to find his comfort zone during the musical number ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley’ about halfway through act one, and the song delivers enough glitter and sparkle to make the first act a lot of fun.
But for me this was a play of two halves – the second act was superior to the first, which runs to around one hour fifteen minutes, which felt long to me so conceivably even more so for younger audience members. But from the interval onwards I was spellbound – the energy is next level; the musical numbers are bigger and better, and the cast absolutely find their groove. The finale is truly something special, and I was more than happy to join the rest of the audience in a standing ovation at the end. I left the theatre bubbling over with Christmas cheer, I’d definitely see Elf the Musical again and I’d have no hesitation in recommending it to audiences of all ages. It was exactly what I needed to kick start my festive season and I’d challenge even the most Scrooge-like among us not to find something to enjoy.
Playing until 7th January 2023, https://elflondon.com/
Reviewer: Zoë Meeres
Reviewed: 24th November 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★