This festive season, the West End is set to light up with holiday cheer as Elf: The Musical returns to the Dominion Theatre, featuring a brilliant cast and a heartwarming story. We caught up with Rebecca Lock, who plays Emily Hobbs in the show, to find out what makes this production a must-see this Christmas.
Rebecca describes the show as a delightful mix of the beloved film and a standalone musical experience. “I mean, everyone loves the film,” she says, “I’m a massive fan of the film. I don’t think I know anybody that hasn’t seen it.” For fans of the movie, the stage version stays true to the source material, with iconic lines like “Santa, I know him!” amongst other favourite moments making their way to the stage.
Rebecca highlights the musical numbers as a standout feature, emphasising that they are “really good musical theatre numbers.” She praises the songs for being modern and catchy, blending seamlessly with the story. Her duet with Michael, her on-stage son, is a personal favourite, which she calls “a big Belty Broadway number” that adds depth to the Christmas spectacle.
Playing Emily, Buddy’s stepmom, Rebecca brings her own experiences to the character. She says, “I love her journey. She’s got a massive journey. Emily is a working mom who rediscovers the magic of Christmas through Buddy’s arrival”, and Rebecca appreciates how the character resonates with many parents in the audience.
The dynamic with the young actors who play Michael is a fun challenge for Rebecca, as four young actors rotate the character and each child brings their own personality and energy. Rebecca reveals, “I kind of have a different show with each Michael. I find different things with different boys, different moments. It keeps it fresh for me.”
This year, Matthew Wolfenden, known for his role in “Emmerdale,” takes on the iconic role of Buddy. Rebecca speaks highly of Matthew’s talents, saying, “He’s really lovely. He started out in musical theatre years ago, before Emmerdale, so he knows his stuff, and of course, it’s a very different discipline for him, being on telly for 20 years and then suddenly you’re in this massive show, in this massive theatre, but he’s just embracing it so well.”
Rebecca returns to the role alongside Tom Chambers and Georgina Castle who both also appeared last year, so they’ve been giving Matthew some top tips, “it’s such a fun family show and the audiences love it, but Matthew, it’s going to be knackering,” she laughs, “it’s going to be really tiring, and you don’t leave the stage, so fuel up and carb up!”
Returning to the Dominion Theatre, Rebecca is thrilled to step onto the massive stage again. The grandeur of the venue adds to the excitement and magic of the show. One of her favourite moments in the production is the grand tap dance finale, a spectacle that brings the entire cast together.
Keeping the energy up for eight performances a week can be challenging, but Rebecca finds it manageable. She shares her secret: “Lots of snacks.” She also mentions the enthusiasm of the audiences as a driving force, saying, “The audiences love it. People really adore it, and it’s just really nice to be in London in a Christmas show that you know is a hit and people love.”
With Christmas just around the corner, Rebecca, like many of us, hasn’t started her shopping yet, but she enjoys the convenience of being near Oxford Street, making last-minute dashes for gifts. She quips, “I should know by now and get it done in August. And I don’t, I never learn.”
Rebecca sums up the show’s appeal, saying, “It’s the most Christmassy family-orientated show. Whether you’re 3 or 93, you will enjoy it. There’s something for everyone.” She emphasizes the show’s ability to lift spirits, stating, “Even if you come in grumpy, it will cheer you up and get you in the mood for Christmas.”
Elf: The Musical at the Dominion Theatre promises a heartwarming and joyful Christmas experience for the entire family. With Rebecca Lock and the talented cast leading the way, this production is set to become a holiday highlight for Londoners and visitors alike. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of the season with this must-see show!
