4.09°C “A magical addition to the family Christmas experience.”
Colchester audiences are being truly spoilt this festive season, with a couple of Christmas Carols, concerts, the blockbusting Mercury panto, and – new to the scene – producers Stage Right Enterprises and Colchester Events presenting this musical version of the beloved film at Charter Hall.
I’m assuming most readers know the tale of Buddy, the child thought to be an orphan, who is accidentally taken to the North Pole by Santa and brought up as an elf. It’s funny, charming, and brought to life here by a terrific company that puts everything into delivering a high-energy performance.
Known to many viewers for his reality TV work (The X Factor, Dancing On Ice, and many more), Jake Quickenden has earned his musical theatre stripes in shows such as Footloose and The Full Monty. He is a perfect Buddy. He belts out the numbers beautifully, lifts his cast members with ease (he’s very strong), and has the right amount of cheeky charm; the kids in the audience loved his naughtiness! Moments when he breaks the fourth wall are greeted with delight, and he is utterly endearing as Buddy.
However, there isn’t a weak member of the cast. Jade Mayjean is wonderful as love interest Jovie, Gary Turner is excellent as grumpy “real” dad Walter – whose heart eventually melts like a snowman in a heatwave – and Lucy Jane Quinlan shines as Buddy’s stepmother. Corey Moore is very impressive as Michael. Tom Murphy is a perfect Santa and narrator, and the Elf ensemble, featuring much local talent, performs enthusiastically and projects out into the auditorium with great energy. This is just as well, as this is a huge space, but it is filled with festive cheer.
Although set in the North Pole and New York, Santa tries to make it relevant with some local jokes, usually at the expense of Ipswich and Clacton. However, these don’t land well, and perhaps such humour should be left to panto. Under the musical direction of Rob Miles, the band is terrific, and although much of the music doesn’t latch onto the ear on one listen, the lyrics are very witty. My personal favourite was the Act Two opener; Nobody Cares About Santa.
In places relying mainly on projections, the set furniture looked a little sparse for such a big stage, and the show itself is slightly too long, causing some of the younger members of the audience to grow restless. However, the payoff is worth it, as they get to see the REAL Santa Claus in a magical climax to the show with a terrific closing number.
It’s a magical addition to the family Christmas experience and will enchant audiences right up until its final performance.
Until 5th January: Tickets ELF THE MUSICAL – Colchester Events
Paul T. Davies
