Christmas has arrived early in Wolverhampton, as Elf the Musical brings festive fun and (for the most part) family-friendly magic to the Grand Theatre. With lovable characters and an all-in performance from goofy Buddy the Elf (played by rising star Jordan Conway), the production promises a jolly ride for everyone. Running from 13–16 November 2025, the show delivers a whirlwind of song, slapstick, and festive cheer while reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

the show delivers a whirlwind of song, slapstick, and festive cheer while reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas

Adapted for the stage by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, the show blends big musical numbers with the playful spirit of British panto. Produced and directed by Jon Conway, who’s known for two decades of pantomimes at the Grand, it is unsurprising that this adaptation of the classic leans heavily into audience interaction and slapstick humour.

Following the same heartwarming plot as the 2003 Will Ferrell film, the musical captures the story of Buddy, a human who is raised by elves at the North Pole after crawling into Santa’s sack as a baby. After overcoming the initial shock of discovering he is human, a scene very well performed by Conway, Buddy embarks on an adventure to New York City to find his father. Played by Barry Bloxham with a fabulously Scrooge-like flair, Buddy’s father, Walter Hobbs, is a tyrannical publisher of children’s books desperately in need of a significant breakthrough, or he faces the risk of losing his job.

Luckily, Buddy comes along and saves the day, showing Walter that Christmas is about family, not work. As Buddy begins his new life in New York, the show finds its rhythm. From the very first scene, the energy on stage is infectious, and the musical numbers grow in power as the performance progresses; it was, after all, the opening night. Children giggled and shrieked throughout, swept up in the chaos of the North Pole and Buddy’s boundless enthusiasm. There are many amusing moments, especially when Buddy annoys his father’s employees, balances pens on his desk mate’s head, and steals a banana from his hand before spitting it out into his palm. The physical comedy lands perfectly with younger audiences, though plenty of adults were laughing too.

Matthews, played by Dafydd Lansley, absolutely stole the show for me, and along with his sidekick Debs (Natalie Gray), provides much comic relief. Debs is a loveable, wacky woman who lives for the office drama. She teaches Buddy how to use the photocopier, which, of course, ends in chaos as he shreds paper to create ‘snow.’ Matthews is lovable and had me in stitches throughout, particularly when Buddy accidentally shredded Matthews’ clothes. He ended up standing on stage in nothing but his leopard print underwear, flexing his muscles, only to be fired again by Walter Hobbs. The whole notion of him being fired becomes a hilarious running joke throughout the performance. The Store Manager (Joe Speare) also delivered an outstanding performance, particularly when interacting with Buddy, as their onstage chemistry was undeniable.

The ensemble cast also stands out, especially in group moments like the tap dance in Macy’s, the ice skating scene where they form a conga around Buddy and Jovie, and the beautifully performed sleigh finale as Santa flew over the stage, drawing loud cheers. Johnny Thomas Davies and Connor Marron delivered excellent performances as NYPD officers, especially in the snowball scene where they scolded someone for throwing snowballs and cautioned the audience not to do the same. However, roughly 20 seconds later, hundreds of children started tossing inflatable snowballs at the clumsy police officers, who then threw them back, initiating a massive snowball fight. This moment showcased the pantomime aspect beautifully, creating a wonderfully immersive experience.

While undeniably fun, the show sometimes feels unsure of its audience. Despite being marketed as a family musical, some jokes cross into uncomfortable territory, such as the moment Buddy upskirts Jovie while she is working at Macy’s. On another occasion, Jovie promises she will ‘be less of a bitch’ if Buddy promises to be less like an elf, which feels intense for a production aimed at children aged 5+.

While undeniably fun, the show sometimes feels unsure of its audience

The video backdrops were often lacklustre and did leave much to be desired. The gingerbread men performing Gangnam Style felt out of place. In places, the background graphics conflicted with the story, as they showed Santa flying with reindeer just after the script claimed they’d crashed in Central Park. That said, the screen projections did often help situate the audience, such as the ‘Greenway Print’ office or the Rockefeller rink, and the creative staging deserves recognition.

The show captures the joy, warmth, and chaos of the holidays, and for many families, that is what Christmas is all about.

As for the music, the score by Sklar and Beguelin is delightful. I found myself singing ‘The Story of Buddy the Elf’ long after we’d left the theatre. 

Despite its imperfections, the production is genuinely enjoyable for the whole family during the holiday season. If you’re expecting a polished West End-style show, Elf the Musical may fall a little short. But go into it as a festive family outing, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy. The cast’s enthusiasm is contagious, and their talent is undeniable. The show captures the joy, warmth, and chaos of the holidays, and for many families, that is what Christmas is all about. This is made only better by Buddy being accepted into his family by the end, living happily ever after.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

If you would like to buy tickets for Elf the Musical, you can here!

Enjoyed this review? Read more from Culture below:

Theatre Review: Yippee Ki Yay

Theatre Review: How Very Hannah Live!

Musical Review: Friends! The Musical Parody