Review: Elf The Musical, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

FESTIVE fun and seasonal silliness were abundant as Elf the Musical delighted families at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this week.

Currently touring the UK after Broadway and West End runs, the supersized Christmas show is based on the much-loved festive film staring Will Ferrell.

With heaps of audience participation including a mass snowball fight and various chases through the theatre, it’s safe to say my two children were completely swept along by the magic, taking huge delight in getting involved at every opportunity.

Jordan Conway was superb in the role of Buddy The Elf, ad-libbing brilliantly when things didn’t quite go to plan, and demonstrating a quite incredible array of facial expressions as well as wonderful comic timing. Will Ferrell he was not, but Jordan certainly made the role his own, giving the family-friendly show its very own special appeal.

Many of the most loved scenes from the movie are featured in the stage show as Buddy attempts to navigate New York, with lovable elfish charm. Determined to build a relationship with his workaholic dad Walter Hobbs (Barry Bloxham) Buddy’s childlike innocence and good nature soon begin to melt the hearts of those around him.

His blossoming love affair with Jovie (Kelly Banlaki) is both touching and hilarious with the pair sharing a great chemistry. However, because the musical features an original soundtrack, it does not deliver any well-known festive hits, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity overall.

Costumes are lavish and dance numbers are designed to wow, with the sizable supporting cast performing in various roles throughout the show. Roller skaters and acrobats also delight as they perform dazzling tricks and stints throughout.

A scene where Santa soars above the Mayflower stage in his sleigh is a lovely highlight of the production.

The stage is decked with huge candy canes, and moveable props help transport the story between the North Pole, Central Park, a New York City department store and a busy publishing house. Cinematic scenes are projected onto a huge screen at the back of the stage, adding an extra layer of festive magic.

Christmas is coming, and this joyful extravaganza is two hours of escapism which will delight the whole family.

Elf the Musical is on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday 7th December. Tickets are from £29.50. For more information and bookings visit www.mayflower.org.uk