Rossana Hyland is stepping into the festive world of Elf the Musical, taking on the role of Emily as the production returns to London for a run at the Aldwych Theatre. With rehearsals underway and Christmas creeping ever closer, Hyland shares insights into the production, her character, and the joy of bringing Buddy the Elf’s story to life.
“I sort of came out of the womb singing and dancing,” Hyland laughs, reflecting on a lifelong passion for performance. “I did a lot of dance as a kid and then got into singing and acting later. I studied musical theatre in Singapore and came straight over here from college. I was really lucky, I hit the ground running with Carousel at the Savoy.”
Seventeen years later, Hyland has made London her home and built a career that now sees her starring in one of the most beloved festive stories of all time. For anyone unfamiliar with Elf, Hyland offers a heartfelt summary: “It’s the story of Buddy, who’s accidentally stowed away in Santa’s sack and raised at the North Pole. He grows up thinking he’s an elf, and only at 30 does he realise he’s not. He goes to New York to find his father, and in doing so, helps a family rediscover their inner child.”
The stage adaptation of Elf has played London before, and Rossana believes this version truly captures the spirit of the story. “It’s magnificent. It’s sort of begging to be a musical, actually. Christmas is such a musical time, and the music in this show is clever and beautiful. You keep changing your favourite song all the time.”
Pressed to choose a favourite, Rossana admits, “Today, it’s a toss-up between ‘Nobody Cares About Santa’ and ‘There is a Santa Claus’. I’m really lucky, one of the best songs in the show is the one I get to be in. ‘There is a Santa Claus’ is pure glee and excitement. You get to live in that fantasy for ten minutes.”
Rossana plays Emily, Buddy’s stepmother, a character she finds refreshingly complex. “She’s got nuance and dimension. She’s not a stock musical theatre mum, she’s funny, poignant, authoritative. She wears the trousers in the family. I love that she’s defending her son’s joy and rediscovering her own.”
Much of Emily’s stage time is spent with Michael, played by a rotating cast of young actors. Rossana is no stranger to working with children, having done so in School of Rock. “It’s so much fun, they keep you on your toes. They’re all different, and they’ve been given the scope to bring themselves to the part. It keeps the scene fresh and interesting every night.”
Another key relationship in the show is between Emily and Walter, played by Aled Jones. “Aled’s great. We immediately had a good rapport. He’s easy to act with, and we’ve had fun figuring out little backstories for our characters. He’s supportive, kind, and when he sings, it’s surreal. He’s so much fun.”
Rossana is also enjoying watching the chemistry between Joel Montague as Buddy and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jovie. “They’re perfectly cast. Joel is so funny, and Carrie’s voice changes the energy of the room. I’m excited to see it all come together with costumes, it’s going to be gorgeous.”
With Christmas still a little away for the rest of us, Rossana is embracing the festive spirit wholeheartedly. “I love Christmas. I’ll happily start in October. I’m insatiable about Christmas things. I might try not to start the music too early, but how often do you get to do Elf and have three months of Christmas? I’m here for it.”
For fans of the film and newcomers alike, Rossana promises a show that goes above and beyond. “Elf the Musical didn’t have to go this hard, but it’s brilliant. It’s uplifting, it’ll blow the dust off your soul. It reminds us that you don’t have to be raised by elves to be kind and curious. If you’re craving wonder, Elf will give it to you in spades.”
With dazzling choreography, heartfelt performances, and a sprinkle of festive magic, Elf the Musical is set to be a highlight of the festive season. “You’d have to be made of stone to walk away feeling down after seeing Elf,” Rossana says. “Absolutely come and see it.”
