Based on the beloved 2003 Christmas film starring Will Ferrell, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Performed at the Isle of Man Gaiety Theatre from 25th November – 2nd December 2023.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.
With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
"the best way to spread christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear!"
Sponsors & support
Principal Cast
Creative Team
Director
Kristene Wilson
Musical Director
Claire Temple
Choreographer
Breeshey Crookall
Assistant Director
Peter Shimmin
Assistant Choreographer
Molly Bowman
Buddy
Jack Divers
Walter Hobbs
Geoff Pugh
Jovie
Shay Marsden
Emily Hobbs
Sue Tummon
Santa
Chris Caine
Deb
Meg Walker
Michael (Sparkle)
Zac Colligon
Michael (Jolly)
Ciaran Dougherty
Manager
Andrew Deighton
Greenway
Gráinne Joughin
Chadwick
Sean Reaney
Matthews
Orry Wilson
Lighting Design
Neil Dolman
Sound Design
Dave Rowles
Stage Manager
Andy Simpson
Deputy Stage Manager
Lindsay Riordan
Head of Wardrobe
Nora lean & Sarah Buss
Head of Hair & Makeup
Judith Fullerton
Head of Props
Sandie Divers
Artwork & Design
Kelly Firth
Adult Ensemble
Charlie, Fake Santa, Office Worker, New Yorker, Macys Customer, Skater
Adrian Cowin
Mrs Claus, Sam, New Yorker, Macys Customer, Waitress
Sam Faragher
Tiara, Narwhal, Office worker, Camera-woman, Macys Customer
Kelly Firth
Fruit Spray Saleswoman, New Yorker, Office Worker, Salvation Army Lady
Helen Furner
Patty, Salvation Army Lady, New Yorker, Teacher, Macy’s Customer
Paula Gelling
Elf, Store Elf, New Yorker
Sophie Keen
Sara, New Yorker, Macy’s Customer, Waitress
Sherrie Poultney
Charlotte Dennon, Vendor, Office worker, Waitress, Macy's customer
Eve Puzzar
Elf, New Yorker, Store Elf, Ice Skater
Abby Vance
Team Sparkle youth ensemble
Teigan Cowell
Ealish Creer
Ella-Rose Crellin
Evie Cringle-Preston
Daisy Divers
Poppy Elvin
Saf Gomez
Tadgh Hall
Joey Hills
Sofia Howatson
Lowenna Joughin
Maisie Stewart
Alexis Wilson
Team Jolly youth ensemble
Kasia Ashton
Onora Barron
Scarlet Brophy
Tyla Clark
Evie Cowell
Ava Harvey
Alice Hemensley
Maximus James
Kate Leece
David Livsey
Joshua Mooney
Catherine Warrilow
Isla Woods
"A total Christmassy sensation. The whole show was Magnificent!"
"Jack Divers is the perfect Buddy. His energy never dropped."
noda north west awards
winner: Breeshey Crookall
Best Choreographer
winner: Gem Last
Contributions to Amateur theatre
nominee: Best Musical
nominee: Best Staging
nominee: Best Ensemble
nominee: Jack Divers
Best Leading Male
nominee: Shay Marsden
Best Leading Female
nominee: Geoff Pugh
Best Supporting Male
nominee: Zac Colligon
Best Male Youth in an Adult Production
nominee: Ciaran Dougherty
Best Male Youth in an Adult Production
nominee: Kristene Wilson
Best Director
nominee: Kelly Firth
Best programme (Peacock class)
“The audience were transported to a Christmas wonderland throughout the production, with all the theatrical elements contributing to this.
The cast worked as a solid unit throughout, each supplying high energy and solid technique throughout all the triple threat disciplines. There was a great unity between all cast members, and this bond enhanced the Christmas values of the production.
There was a great pace, some wonderful light and shade created to enable greater interest and engagement throughout the narrative; this was also achieved through creative use of staging, and the use of lighting & SFX, adding mesmerising detail.”
– Nathan Benson
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