Hamleys, Trafford Centre, Manchester.
Sunday September 24th 2017 – attended by Julie Noller
5*****
They say Elf is on everyones most favourite Christmas Films list, it’s certainly the one I watch every year to get the Christmas spirit flowing. How could I not jump at the chance to meet Buddy (Ben Forster) and Jovi (Liz McClarnon) and did I mention it was held in everyones favourite toy shop; Hamleys. We arrived whilst the shop was actually closed and the interviews were in full swing. Music from the musical was playing giving us a chance to listen to what lies ahead. It was also a chance to grab some sneaky photos and then I found myself up close and personal with what can only be described as Buddys dream cake, full of sugar and looking amazing, time to step away before my excitement exceeded all 
known levels. Ben and Liz looked relaxed and were laughing away, surrounded by Christmas trees and sparkling lights why wouldn’t they be happy. Ben expressed his delight that Elf is a family musical to be enjoyed over Christmas, Liz claimed she loved the film and felt it was perfect to be a musical. We also had the opportunity to meet the four boys playing the part of Michael, they are extremely excited as are their friends, they handled all the interviews, camera cues and photographs like true professionals. There were competition winners looking forward to Buddys performance on the Elf Stage, people attempting to enter and being refused made me feel very exclusive for what was to come. Then came the goodies that made us all feel like we were living Christmas Day, there were Sausage Baps, tea and coffee, Café Nero croissants and choc au pain, Juice Boost strawberry smoothies. Elf Bags for Life and Hamley Goodie Bags, Wow the excitement levels were rising and everyone was smiling.
Then Ben took to the stage as his alter ego Buddy, to perform ‘Worlds Greatest Dad’ We all loved it; young and old alike. If one song could sell a Musical then this is it. Of course Ben is reprising his role of Buddy having originally played him on the West End stage. He slipped those pixie boots on like they were meant to fit. We were then introduced to Liz who plays Jovi and Producer, Michael Rose. Liz is a true fan of Christmas and as well as being excited to play Jovi is over the moon to be based close to her home town of Liverpool and family. Michael explained why he brought Elf to the Uk, he wanted to give it a British twist with a British crew and cast, this he has done to perfection. Why Manchester? Simply in Liz’s eyes The Lowry is stunning, a modern theatre that’s welcoming. Michael chose The Lowry in Manchester to take Elf away from the West End, because of the community and family spirit of Manchester. Following recent tragic events and noticing how the community had pulled together, it’s perfect for a musical that encapsulates Christmas at it’s very heart. It’s a feel good musical that gives everyone a Christmas cheer, he is also aware that some people may just well be fed up of Christmas by the time they sit to watch Elf, but then they will enjoy the humour that runs throughout. The Salford Quays and Manchester itself also has a fantastic transport network and is easy to reach. It was uplifting to see Producer and cast talk with passion, they genuinely love Elf. Other stars of Elf 
include Joe McGann, Jessica Martin and Louis Emerick as Santa Claus.
Afterwards there was photo opportunities for selfies with the Elfies. I have no doubt theres quite a few profile photos being changed now for Elf shots.
Thank You to The Lowry for inviting me, I’m now off after speaking to my entire family to try to beat Liz McClarnons family to book the rest of the seats left, so be warned tickets are selling fast and it looks like being an amazing musical with Christmas memories. Don’t wait too long to book those tickets. The run starts on November 24th and finishes on January 14th all performances over the Christmas period are classed as peak times.