IF you're looking for a way to invoke the Christmas spirit, then you won't go far wrong with a visit to Elf the Musical. 

The hit West End show opened at the Mayflower in Southampton on Tuesday, December 3, and it's there until December 7. 

The show has been touring the UK after a couple of stints in the West End and Broadway. 

It's based on the blockbuster Will Ferrell film, following Buddy the Elf and his journey to find his real dad. 

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Elf the Musical Elf the Musical (Image: Adrian Patrick)

Ferrell is a hard act for anyone to follow. The comedian exudes comedy.

While Jordan Conway, who plays Buddy in the musical, is good, he isn't Ferrell. If you've come to the show in the hope of finding some Ferrell fun, then you might be a little disappointed. 

Despite that, Conway is cute and funny, and his adventures and romance with Jovie, played by Kelly Banlaki, bring a family-friendly comedy to the stage. 

There are jokes, and most of the funniest scenes from the movie have been translated in some way for the stage. There's singing and dancing, with a large cast in great costumes.

The story is enhanced with film backdrops on a huge LED screen, making it a visual feast of bright colours. There are huge candy canes, gorgeous decorations, and it's generally good Christmas fun. 

Acrobats and roller skates bring a bit of circus-style pizzazz to the stage, and an audience snowball fight proves a hit with the kids in the crowd. 

Being a large stage, the Mayflower benefits from being able to bring Santa on in his sleigh, and it actually flies - making the show perfect for dispelling any doubts from non-believers. 

The production overall is good fun - however the songs feel like they exist simply for the sake of telling the story, a musical for musical's sake if you like. There are no real stand-out numbers, and every song seems to be the same kind of tune. 

As good as the actors are at singing and dancing, it feels like they have been let down by an original soundtrack that could have been so much more, well, Christmassy. 

 The show makes for a great trip out in the run-up to Christmas, and it's perfect for the whole family too. 

Elf the Musical runs at the Mayflower until December 7. Tickets start from £29.50.

To book, go to mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/elf-the-musical-2024/