Blackpool Opera House is protecting the Elf Service this Christmas.
The Broadway and West End show Elf—The Musical, based on the Hollywood movie, will bring much-needed Christmas cheer to the resort from December 18 to 24.
It’s a version created by Jon Conway, who has produced many summer shows and musicals in the town.
He reckons only Blackpool Opera House has a stage big enough to recreate the visual effects created for the Elf arena show, with a flying sleigh over the audience, 20-foot-high growing candy canes and a giant LED screen with animated backgrounds and aerial stunts.
The part of Buddy The Elf, originated by Will Ferrell on screen, has been played in arenas for the last two years by Blackpool’s own Tam Ryan, in cities from Wembley to Dublin.
Tam agrees: “we can create a marvellous atmosphere with more than 800 in the socially distanced audience. We have cameras to relay the action in close-up on to our giant on-stage LED screens, so even if you are in the rear circle you have a front row seat!”
The Opera House will operate on limited capacity allowing audiences to 'socially distance'.