It is time to start playing the Christmas songs, getting your Christmas jumpers on as Elf: The musical hits the West End. Based on the hit film that starred Will Ferrell, the story follows Buddy, a young orphan who ends up at the North Pole working for Santa but he soon realises he is in fact human and so goes on a quest to New York to find his birth father.
The West End show stars Ben Forster as Buddy,Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, Joe McGann as Walter Hobbs and Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs. It is directed and choreographed by Morgan Young.
It is fair to say that the show has received mixed reviews from critics. Here is what some of them have had to say….
The Guardian: Michael Billington gave the show two stars and summed it up by saying: “this is a show that doesn’t so much invoke the spirit of Christmas as market it.”
Theatrepeople.com: but Tom Millward had a more positive review of the show saying: “the show keeps the feel of a modern classic Broadway musical, with tight choreography courtesy of director Morgan Young and a hard-working ensemble”.
Evening Standard: Fiona Mountford awarded the show four stars and said: “it’s a charming evening’s entertainment for children of all ages”.
Whatsonstage: the show was awarded three stars and in the review said: “Elf the Musical is no perfect snowflake, but, thanks to a strong turn from Forster it’s not a total turkey either”
The Arts Desk: Marianka Swain was dismissive about the production summing it up as “syrupy and overpriced Christmas musical is instantly forgettable.”
The Stage: Mark Shenton called it an: “amiable, good-natured seasonal show, which reconnects audiences with Father Christmas.” (three stars).
The Daily Mail: Quentin Letts awarded the production three stars calling it: “Efficient, slick, even cynical: Elf is all these. I suppose it will be a success, but it left me a little cold.”
British Theatre.com : Danny Coleman-Cooke said: “Whilst it lacks the magic of a family classic like Matilda, Elf will put even the biggest Scrooge in a fun and festive mood.”
The Telegraph: Dominic Cavendish awarded the show three stars and said it was: ” Magic, for a steep price.”
Elf: The Musical runs at the Dominion Theatre until the 2nd January 2016. To book tickets visit: Elf:The Musical website , Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk , Discount Theatre.com , Last Minute.com , Love Theatre.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk .