Elf the Musical At Blackpool Winter Gardens Review

Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike

Christmas has arrived early in Blackpool! Yes, that’s right, Christmas! I’m a lover of all things Christmas including the classic 2003 Christmas film, Elf starring Will Ferrell, but even I was dubious about watching a Christmas show in October. We arrived at the beautiful, historic Winter Gardens theatre and took to our seats in the stalls. We were pleased to see the theatre packed with people of all ages and in particular lots of families with very excited kids. The atmosphere was electric.

The show started and we were transported to the North Pole where we met Buddy the Elf played by Tam Ryan. Buddy has been raised by elves after he crawled into Santa’s sack during a visit to the orphanage in New York when he was a baby. Now Buddy is a grown up, he decides to head to New York to find his biological family.

The staging and lighting are very clever as they swiftly and seamlessly take us on a journey from the North Pole to New York City, with Buddy hitching a ride on a giant iceberg. Throughout the show we are taken to various locations including the toy department of Macy’s, the offices located in the Empire State Building and even to the ice rink at the Rockefeller Centre, with each set more impressive than the last. The sets are supported by a huge video wall backdrop which really adds another captivating element to the fantastic sets.

The show follows the script of the original film fairly closely and includes lots of fun, cheery and upbeat musical numbers with each character providing a really strong vocal performance. As well as the excellent music, there are lots of laugh out loud moments for adults and children alike with plenty of jokes for adults peppered throughout. The audience participation plays a big role in this production, which, again adds to the fun and joyous atmosphere created by this brilliant show.

The star of the show is Buddy but the actors playing Buddy’s Dad Walter Hobbs, his step mum Emily Hobbs and his brother Michael were also stand out performances, as well as Buddy’s love interest Jovie who really embodied the character of the film. As well as the main characters, the ensemble cast were a permanent feature throughout this show and played a myriad of characters from elves to office workers and even ice skaters. They sing, dance, and perform acrobatics, and are a truly wonderful and important part of this production.

During the second act, we watch as Buddy falls in love with Jovie, who he worked with in Macy’s toy department and tries to form a relationship with his Dad, as well as spread festive cheer throughout the city. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but the finale is fantastic. It was a magical moment when the story came to a close and the real Santa Claus flies across the stage in his sleigh. Listening to the cheering and shouting from the children was a lovely moment which left me with a tear in my eye. One of the best finales I have seen in a long time!

My friend enjoyed it so much she has bought tickets to go and watch it again with her granddaughter, a testament to how good this show really is!

I loved being back in the theatre with a live audience and the actors looked like they were enjoying themselves as much as we were. I implore everyone, young and old to get into the festive spirit early this year and give this must watch show a go.

Rating: 4/5

Elf the Musical is in town until 31st October 2021. Tickets are available from Elf The Musical | Winter Gardens Blackpool and start from £15.00 (levies and fees may apply)
The runtime for Elf the Musical is 2 hours 40 minutes including a 15-minute interval and I enjoyed every, single minute.