Expert Review: Why Elf The Musical Is The Ultimate Christmas Show

4.6
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

Following a record-breaking Broadway season, Elf The Musical arrives in London as "the ultimate Christmas show" that perfectly captures the magic, humor, and heart of the beloved film. This is Christmas theatre at its most joyful and spectacular.

What Makes It Special

  • Buddy's Journey: Jordan Conway brings infectious energy to Buddy's transformation from North Pole misfit to Christmas hero.
  • Interactive Magic: Features an audience snowball fight, Santa's flying sleigh, and magical special effects throughout.
  • Family Perfect: Designed to delight everyone from 4 to 94, with humor that works on multiple levels.
  • Production Scale: Giant LED screens, spectacular costumes, and Broadway-quality staging create a visual feast.

Perfect For

Families with children 4+, Christmas enthusiasts, anyone who loves the film, and theatre-goers seeking pure festive joy. The interactive elements make it especially magical for first-time theatre visitors.

Everything You Need to Know

Buddy's Magical Journey

Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf tells the heartwarming story of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag as a baby and was raised as an elf at the North Pole. Way too tall and not quite cut out for toy-making, Buddy is the North Pole's biggest misfit.

What to Expect

  • Buddy's discovery that he's actually human and his journey to New York
  • His search for his birth father Walter, who's decidedly on the naughty list
  • Merry mayhem in Manhattan as Buddy spreads Christmas cheer
  • A mission to save Christmas when Santa's sleigh crashes in Central Park
  • The true gift of family and the magic of believing

Joyful Songs & Musical Numbers

  • "Happy All the Time" - Buddy's infectious opening number at the North Pole
  • "World's Greatest Dad" - Buddy's hopeful song about finding his father
  • "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" - The North Pole elves' delightful work song
  • "A Christmas Song" - The heartwarming duet about Christmas magic
  • "Nobody Cares About Santa" - A surprisingly touching moment of Christmas doubt

Musical Fact: The score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin perfectly balances Broadway sophistication with childlike wonder, creating songs that are both musically complex and instantly hummable.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Monday - Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 2:30pm & 6:30pm

Getting There

  • Tube: Covent Garden (5 mins), Temple (5 mins)
  • Bus: Routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, 341, 521
  • Parking: NCP Aldwych nearby

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible with advance booking
  • Hearing loops available
  • Large print programmes available
  • Contact box office for specific requirements