Elf Jr

Elf Jr, presented by Western Theatrics was the last Community Theatre Show of 2024, and what a fabulous send-off it was. Presented just before Christmas to “packed to the brim” audiences, this show deserved its buzz. Falling into a transitional time of year, this production was also the first youth show of the 2025 Finley Year, and if this show is setting the standard, we have a fabulous year to come.

Adapted from a film, this show could well have had the problem common to many film adaptations - of short scenes and clumsy transitions, but the many scene changes were completed at sprinting pace, with cast and crew combining to make changes that were not only swift and smooth - but fun to watch.

A great looking show, costumes reminiscent of the film, by Joanne Padgett, were colourful, beautifully finished and true to character.

Performing to a quality backing track, this young cast sang superbly under the guidance of Musical Director Nicole George, with voices, albeit still developing, strong, clear and always in tune. Fun and clever choreography from Chloe Palliser was executed with precision and enthusiasm by this good-sized ensemble.

In the central role of Buddy the Elf, Matt Ballantine was rarely offstage, and managed to capture Buddy’s naivety and unbridled enthusiasm, while remaining believable a true to character. His gentle romance with Josie, sympathetically and likeably played by Kiera Chidgzey, had warmth, charm and believability.

The show opened with fabulous work from Santa (Max Murray) and a team of very skilled elves - Allegra Ong, Grace Short, Alice Short, Bella Oliveira and Bodhi Nield - and continued with great group performances from New Yorkers, Office Staff, Retail Workers and others.

James Leber and Alex Webb brought great maturity to the roles of Buddy’s long-lost father and his stepmother, with Eli Dale a delight as half-brother Micheal. 

Great cameos abounded including Kirra Francis’s Deb, and Logan Bin Bakar’s Mr Greenaway.

Western Theatrics continues to make its mark as one of Perth’s most impressive youth theatre companies and I look forward to what their future will bring.

Kimberley Shaw