Elf, the musical adaptation of the beloved holiday movie, has returned to West End’s Dominion Theatre. The show follows the story of Buddy the Elf as he sets out to find his true identity and spread Christmas cheer.
The amusing and endearing holiday classic ELF, created by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, will fill you with cheer and joy in its Christmas musical adaptation. The endearing Matthew Wolfenden portrays Buddy, an elf unlike any other. He was reared at the North Pole after unknowingly crawling into Santa's bag as a baby, and he has since come to believe that he is an elf. However, Buddy's height and lack of skills make him stand out from the rest of his kind.
Buddy, adamant about finding his place in the world, embarks on a quest to learn the truth about his identity in New York City. Even the most grumpy New Yorkers are won over by his contagious personality and good-natured humor despite the mayhem and turmoil he produces along the way.
Buddy discovers that his biological father is Walter Hobbs, played by Tom Chambers, a powerful executive on Santa's Naughty List, as he digs deeper into his background. Buddy tries to win Walter over and teach him the real spirit of Christmas with the aid of his new buddy, Jovie, played by Georgina Castle.
The film is filled with memorable moments. The lead actor who played Buddy, the main elf character, does an outstanding job of bringing this complex role to life. Playing an adult child who is both innocent and lovable can be a challenging task, but he manages to strike the right balance between humor and heart. His performance is a testament to his talent and dedication to the role.
The stage adaptation of the beloved holiday movie exceeds expectations in many ways. There was always a risk of the musical being too kitschy. Surprisingly, it closely follows the movie's storyline while still managing to present it in a fresh and engaging way.
Visually striking is Tim Goodchild's set design. The clothes are among the production's most notable features. Particularly noticeable are the costumes for the scenes at Santa's workshop and the North Pole, which have minute touches that really make the place come to life. In terms of the storyline, ELF! added few minor adjustments to make it feel more appropriate for the stage, but the famous green elf costume is authentically replicated.
ELF is a must-watch for anyone looking for a festive and feel-good theatre experience during the holiday season. The story is both funny and touching. The film's message about the importance of family, friendship, and kindness is timeless, making it a holiday classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
