Elf: Theatre Royal Plymouth, 11th December 2014

Photo credit: Alastair Muir



"I'm siiiiiingiiiiing!" My heart is full, and "I'm siiiiiingiiiiing!"
From start to finish Elf the musical is an utterly wonderful, brilliant, heartwarming, electric, endearing, joyously glittery show, -'with bells on'! A glorious explosion of tinsel, twinkle and Christmas magic.

   Based on the 2003, now 'Christmas classic' film, Elf, Michael Rose and U-Live in association with Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, present a faultless Theatre Royal Plymouth production, and European premiere of the Broadway musical; a wondrous spectacular to behold.

Photo credit: Alastair Muir

Every single aspect of this production is outstanding and every attention to detail has been paid.

As we follow Buddy's life-changing journey from his home with Santa in 'Christmas Town' to his adventures in New York where he meets his real father, Walter, & love-of-his-life, Jovie; we are treated to many grand, yet intricate, majestic sets married against an atmospheric and impressive digital-screen backdrop, that swiftly and seamlessly transition into a multitude of environments - creating a wonderfully indulgent, immersive filmic quality. 

Photo credit: Alastair Muir

Beautiful costumes compliment the stunning scenes, whilst a magnificent live orchestra belt out toe-tapping, beaming-smile-inducing 'big-band era' musical accompaniment with finesse.



Photo credit: Alastair Muir

Choreography is incredible and whether ensemble pieces to the big numbers reminiscent of resplendent historic MGM musicals, or individual, sometimes quirky, pieces; it is executed by the cast with exact timing, natural flow and plenty of style.


Sound quality for dialogue, song or musical piece in this production is superb - warm, rounded and with exceptional clarity. Lighting is for the show is aptly atmospheric and magical, and engulfs you into the delightful snow-globe splendour that is Buddy's reality.

Photo credit: Alastair Muir

Direction and stage direction is interesting and exciting, and in every part of this show- whether in actual physicality, or in mood/ambience, - there is a constant multitude of stimuli that captivate and charm.



Photo credit: Alastair Muir

The whole cast all deserve the highest accolades. Fantastic, professional and polished, yet completely genuine and believable performances, are delivered by each and every member, from the entertaining ensemble elves, to jolly Santa himself (Mark McKerracher); vivacious office manager Deb (Jennie Dale) to grumpy 'store manager' (Graham Lappin); to Buddy's winsome New Yorker new family, - dad Walter (Joe McGann), his wife Emily (Jessica Martin), & their son Michael (played by local-boy, Bailey Cameron, on this occasion), and Buddy's, -at first disenchanted, but soon happy- girlfriend, Jovie (Aoibhinn McGinnity).



Photo credit: Tim Goodchild

In an entire company where there are no weak links, and each member of the cast genuinely shines, special mention and applaud must still be bestowed upon the wonderful, incomparable Ben Forster, who takes the lead role in Elf. He assumes the lively, physical portrayal and contagiously endearing and amusing role of Buddy with such natural aplomb and magnetic energy that one immediately forgets about Will Ferrell's previous onscreen incarnation of the seasonal character, and Buddy is no-one but Ben. 

 

Previously onstage in other productions, as Brad in The Rocky Horror Show, and Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Weber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, to name but a few, Ben Forster yet again demonstrates his versatility, infinite talent and stellar prowess, as he consummately sings, dances (and skates!) his way through the show that is the epitome of all things 'Sparklejollytwinklejingly' and cements his standing as one of this country's best performers. Outstanding vocals, an infectious cheeky personality and genuine loveability make for a perfect portrayal of the adorable eponymous character, whose wide-eyed optimism and good humour is inspiration to us all.

Photo credit: Alastair Muir

One cannot speak highly enough of this flawless piece. A wonderful and truly magical, wholly beautiful, sparkly-Christmassy, complete, fantastic show, that definitely appeals to all ages and will undoubtedly become a must on every Christmas wish-list for many years to come.



Book: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin

Music: Matthew Skylar

Lyrics: Chad Beguelin

Lighting Design: Tim Lutkin                      Video Design: Ian William Galloway

Sound Design: Clement Rawling                Wig & Hair Design: Richard Mawbey

Production Design: Tim Goodchild            Director & Choreographer: Morgan Young

Please visit Theatre Royal Plymouth or Elf the musical (UK) - official website for more information

Review originally written for The Public Reviews 

You Me At Six: Plymouth Pavilions, 2nd April 2014. GIG REVIEW

In a tremendous, triumphant return to Plymouth, You Me At Six- to quote a now familiar phrase- 'knocked it out of the park'! Over the course of a vibrant hour and a half, tonight's Youth tour tracklisting encompassed fifteen powerful gems covering the band's 3 most recent album releases, which had the audience hooked as the band fervently attacked every honed number. Every pulsating rocking beat, energised guitar riff, and captivating, compelling pitch-perfect vocal rocked and completely brought the house down.

Last seen in this neck of the woods supporting American alternative rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, it was time for this British band to shine in the limelight and take centre stage. After more than 8 years of hard graft, 4 albums and countless touring dates, this was THEIR night, and so thoroughly deserved.

During the course of the hi-energy, engaging, enjoyable night, a sterling set-list was offered up in which nearly every song was warmly familiar, without veering into predictability.

Photo credit: Kathryn M. Bartlett

From a frenetic Fresh Start Fever, soaring Stay With Me, and melodic sweet current single Cold Night; to, as lead singer Josh put it- our, the crowd's, song: - the air-punching, grin-inducing and insanely lively, Underdog.

En masse-popular tracks executed with veracity kept the atmosphere gritty, and full of favourable and wholly appreciated down-to-earth realism.



Photo credit: Kathryn M. Bartlett

A night of energy, passion and artistic detail, coupled with engaging brief interludes of jovial banter from charming frontman Josh Franceschi- full of genuine touching and refreshing humility and gratitude to the assembled masses, was true testament to the band's tangible connection with the audience and an insight into what keeps this long-serving, yet blossoming, five-piece's fans loyal.

An engulfing electrifying night culminated in an encore that included amazing, crazy, circle-pit moshy, pounding audience-anthem Bite My Lip before the final song from current album Cavalier Youth, a thoroughly exhilarating rendition of the intoxicating talisman track Lived A Lie.

If they weren't before, everyone left this gig, a dreamer for life.

Setlist

Photo credit: Kathryn M. Bartlett

Too young to feel this old

Fresh start fever
Stay with me
The swarm
Little death
Lover boy
Forgive and forget
Room to breathe
Underdog
Liquid confidence
Cold night
Wild ones

-----ENCORE-----

Reckless

Bite my lip
Lived a lie

 

Links: https://www.plymouthpavilions.com/Online/  http://www.youmeatsix.co.uk/