For so many people, Christmas means pantomime - but for a tribe of kids sitting in the audience this evening, the world revolved around Buddy the Elf!
Based on the 2003 film of the same name, Elf The Musical is a heartwarming, family-friendly extravaganza! It follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, as he embarks on a journey to New York City to discover his true identity and rekindle the Christmas spirit.
This is a show packed with catchy songs, choreography and laugh-out-loud comedy - plus Santa himself soaring across the stage in his sleigh.
It's fair to say the audience was a mixed bunch. Some people who were die-hard fans of the movie and some, like me, who had never met Buddy before - but all of us left the theatre beaming from ear to ear.
Elf is the perfect combination of light-hearted fun and heartwarming story which doesn't take itself too seriously and within seconds of the opening bars hitting, had the audience in the palm of it's sparkly, snow-covered hand!
Jordan Conway is an absolute sensation as Buddy and is clearly having the time of his life. Having played the role before, what's evident is his love for a part he's comfortable in and a part he's free to play around with. It would be incredibly easy to compare his take on the role to Will Ferrell but this isn't an attempt at a recreation. This is clearly Conway's take on a well-loved character that evokes the response he deserves.
Conway is supported on stage by an incredible ensemble cast, not least Kelly Banlaki who plays his long-suffering girlfriend, Jovie. With a stunning singing voice and a brilliant comedic presence, she's the perfect foil to Conway's comedy and the two play off each other amazingly.
Elf is exactly what the world needs right now - silly, clever fun that plays to its own strengths and just makes the audience happy. Is it Sondheim? No. DId everything go to plan? Absolutely not.
Did the entire audience clap and cheer along at every opportunity - you bet your life they did.
Elf The Musical plays at Wolverhampton Grand until 16th November 2025. For more information or to get your tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk.
