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