New stage show will be good for your Elf
Elf – A Christmas Spectacular will visit Cardiff this weekend to spread some Christmas cheer. This is what audiences can expect
IT’S one of the most iconic modernday Christmas films and now you can see a stage version of Elf. This weekend it will play three dates in Cardiff. The West End and Broadway musical is based on the hugely popular film starring Will Ferrell and James Caan and is also visiting Birmingham and Nottingham.
The original stage version played to record-breaking audiences in 2015/ 2016 at London’s Dominion Theatre.
When is it in Cardiff?
There are shows tonight at 7pm, tomorrow at 2.30pm and 7pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 5pm.
Who’s in it?
Starring pop legend David Essex as Buddy the Elf’s father, and Love Actually star and singer Martine McCutcheon as Buddy’s girlfriend, Jovie. Buddy the Elf will be played by comedy actor Tam Ryan, who counts Priscilla Presley among his past leading ladies.
West End star Louise English will play Buddy’s stepmother.
The cast also features Father Christmas and a line-up of 70 performers, including children from local Pauline Quirke Academy stage schools.
David said: “I’m really looking forward to taking Elf on tour. The big special effects that we have lined-up are incredible, including a giant sleigh which will fly across the arena, an indoor snow blizzard and lots of skating which all adds to this perfect Christmas story.”
Martine added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be appearing in this wonderful show.
“Elf is without doubt one of the all-time great Christmas movies, so I hope audiences in Cardiff will love this production just as much as the film!” What will it be like?
This new Christmas Spectacular production will feature a book written by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers and Hairspray) and an original score of great new songs.
The original staging will be enhanced with giant screens, showing both computer graphic backdrops and live action close-ups.
The 5,000 seater arena will have a 70ft wide stage and a 60ft long thrust stage, with some scenes taking place around and above the audience.
Tell me more about the film...
Released in 2003, Elf has become a phenomenon and took $220m at the US box office.
It tells the story of Buddy (Will Ferrell, pictured right) who was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Can I see the movie itself this Christmas?
Yes! There are screenings as part of many Christmas cinema events, including the festive pop-up at Cardiff Castle on Sunday There are three screenings and tickets have been selling fast but there are a few tickets left for the 8.30pm showing.
If you can’t make it, you can see Elf on ITV that same evening at 6pm.
■ For tickets to Elf – A Christmas Spectacular at Cardiff Motorpoint arena, call the box office on 029 2022 4488 or visit motorpointarena cardiff.co.uk