First Look: Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague in rehearsals for Elf the Musical
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“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” - and that’s exactly what’s happening in the rehearsal room for [*Elf the Musical*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/elf-tickets)!
We’ve been treated to a first look behind the scenes as **Joel Montague**, **Carrie Hope Fletcher**, and **Aled Jones** step into their festive roles as Buddy, Jovie, and Walter Hobbs ahead of the show’s run at the [Aldwych Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/aldwych-theatre-london) this Christmas.
Adapted from the beloved 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf the Musical features a book by **Thomas Meehan** and **Bob Martin**, with music by **Matthew Sklar** and lyrics by **Chad Beguelin**. The story follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City in search of his real father, and a little Christmas spirit along the way.
Joining the leads are **Rosanna Hyland** ([*Back to the Future: The Musical*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/back-to-the-future-tickets)) as Emily Hobbs, **Martyn Ellis** ([*Wicked*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/wicked-tickets)) as Santa/Mr Greenway, **Lucinda Lawrence** (*9 to 5 the Musical*) as Deb, and **Dermot Canavan** (*Fiddler on the Roof*) as the Store Manager.
The ensemble features **Mollie Cleere**, **Farirayi Garaba**, **Sophie Pourret**, **Lucy Rice**, **Biancha Szynal**, **Kyle Cox**, **Zack Guest**, **Ryan Jupp**, **Dominic Lamb**, and **Danny Nattrass**, with **Sophie Camble**, **Amy Punter**, **Samuel John Humphreys**, and **Michael Tyler** as swings. The role of young Michael Hobbs will be shared by **Ayrton English**, **Max Garlick**, **Harry Georgiou**, and **Samuel Sturge**.
Directed by **Philip Wm McKinley** with choreography by **Liam Steel**, the production features set and costume designs by **Tim Goodchild**, lighting by **Patrick Woodroffe**, sound by **Gareth Owen**, and video design by **Ian William Galloway**.
Following record-breaking runs at the [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/dominion-theatre-london) in 2022 and 2023, and a triumphant Broadway return in 2024, this year’s production promises fresh festive sparkle, complete with a brand-new set designed especially for the Aldwych.
With holiday magic filling the rehearsal room and a cast brimming with Christmas spirit, Elf the Musical looks set to deliver plenty of joy, laughter, and maybe even a few snowflakes when it opens this season.
[Elf the Musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/elf-tickets) plays at the [Aldwych Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/aldwych-theatre-london) from 28 October 2025 - 3 January 2026