Elf The Musical At Wolves Grand

Elf is my favourite Christmas movie of them all. So much so, that I find a cinema to watch it in every December, and drag my long suffering hubby and son along with me. With all that in mind, I was excited to see how Elf the Musical translated to a smaller theatre setting of the Wolverhampton Grand, after seeing it on the ‘World’s biggest stage’ many years ago. I’m pleased to say that Elf is still a joy for the whole family, with Buddy being one of theatre’s most lovable characters.

If, like me, you love the Will Ferrell film, then be prepared for changes. Some characters have changed sex (Michael Hobbs is now Michaela for instance), some have disappeared altogether (no Papa Elf, No Miles Finch, no mail room and Cossack dancing). But, this is still unmistakably Elf, with lots of lines that you know and love from the film, and characters like Walter Hobbs, the lovely Jovie, and the brilliant store manager, still providing killer lines and funny moments aplenty.

Elf is lovely, warm family entertainment, and, in the title role of Buddy, we have a true star in the brilliant Jordan Conway. He is simply infectious in his joy and innocence, and, on opening night, he proved to be the king of the ad lib too. He dominates every scene he is in, bringing his joyful exuberance to the fore. He is matched to perfection in his scenes with Joe Speare as the store manager – these are always amongst my favourite scenes from the film and they work so well on the stage. Kelly Bantaki as Jovie is lovely, and shows her great vocal range throughout the musical, whilst Nikita Coulon as Emily and Karis Lomax as Micaela also have some good scenes together and harmonise well on the musical numbers.

Barry Bloxham is great as Walter Hobbs, a man who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing, whilst Sam Kane is good value as Greenway, making him ruthless just idiotic.

Elf is staged wonderfully, and flits easily between department store to Empire State Building office. The one area where I feel it falters a little is the music. The film uses iconic Christmas songs, whilst the musical is full of new songs which sometimes lack punch, particularly the replacement of Santa Klaus is coming to town. Overall though, Elf is a witty and warm celebration of Christmas that will definitely fill you with early Christmas cheer.

You’d be a cotton headed ninny muggins to miss it.

Elf the Musical

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Until 16th November.

Click here for ticket information

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