[Ad-gifted] The Elves and the Shoemaker is a fairytale close to my heart, one that my mum read to me and that I now read to my 5-year-old daughter. So we were very excited to see this production at The Pavilion Arts Centre in Buxton.
It’s nearly Christmas and the elves are on a mission to help someone, when they discover the kind and hard-working shoemaker who has fallen on hard times. Can they use their magic to work through the night and save the day?
With music, lots of interaction, and a dusting of Christmas magic, this retelling of the classic tale is a festive must!
What we thought of the show
I went to see The Elves and the Shoemaker with my husband and our daughter Jemma on its opening day at the Pavilion Arts Centre. Aimed at children aged three to eight, the show is the perfect way to keep the kids entertained on the build up to Christmas.
Clara’s shop, selling handmade shoes, stands at the centre of the stage, with the shoemaker’s work bench and a Christmas tree.
Written by Katherine Chandler, the production is brought to life by the same creative team as the Hare and Tortoise (2023) and Rumpelstiltskin (2024). Jennifer Hague and Niamh Forster bring lots of energy to their roles as Elfie and Elf, the two elves who like to play and sing, but also love to help people. Jennifer also plays Clara the poor shoemaker and Niamh Forster is also the customers who come to buy the wonderful shoes made by the elves. Completing the trio is Adam Horvath as the Storyteller.
We had not been to the Pavillion in Buxton before, but we all loved the closeness of the small theatre, which definitely aided the magic of being part of the show. There was lots of occasions when the children were encouraged to take part in the telling of the story, from asking for volunteers to be shop assistants, for the braver children in the audience, to asking for the children’s opinion how to decorate the shoes. Jemma loved getting to choose which gem to add to the shoes!
The songs, which are repeated throughout the show, are very catchy and are accompanied by Adam the storyteller playing the mandolin and banjo, and Niamh on the ukelele.
Jemma adored the elves, and I don’t think she even realised that the actors were playing dual roles. She was totally caught up in the magic of the story, and what more could you want from a show.
David and I loved that although there was wonderful additions to the story, the team did not change the essence of the original story.
The show lasts 60 minutes and runs straight through without an interval. We love a trip to the theatre, and for my daughter’s attention span, I do have a preference for these shorter shows with no interval.
The Elves and the Shoemaker is perfect for kids, and their parents or grandparents, who love the fairytale and want to see it brought to life on stage.
Cast
Starring Jennifer Hague as Clara/Elfie
Niamh Forster as Elf
Adam Horvath as The Storyteller
Creatives
Written by Katherine Candler
Music, lyrics and musical direction by Rob Green
Directed by Allie Spencer
Produced by Kerry Allsop alongside Movement Direction and Tour Booking
Design by Vicki Smith
Lighting Design, Production Management and Technical Stage Management from Meg Ryder
Sound Design by Adam P McCready
Assistant Lighting Design from Sam Berriman
Set building services by James Morgan
Head of Production by Barry Hope
How much are the tickets for The Elves and the Shoemaker?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £9.50. Show is suitable for kids aged 3+. 1 adult free per 10 children (for performance on 19 December only).
How do I book tickets to watch The Elves and the Shoemaker?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01298 72190 or visit Buxton Opera House’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The performance will be running until Tuesday, 23 December 2025 at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. at the Pavilion Arts Centre. There will also be signed and relaxed performance available. Do check the website for the exact date/timings.
Where is Pavilion Arts Centre?
There is free parking after 6pm in the car park behind Pavilion Gardens, a short walk from the venue (Please note: the covered area of the car park closes at 6pm). There is also free on-street car parking after 6pm close to the theatre, but please make sure that you avoid the Residents Parking Scheme areas. Electric car charging is available at The Lee Wood Hotel and The Old Manse Guesthouse at the discretion of the guesthouse/hotel.
The train station is also a ten minute walk from the Opera House and operates a regular service from Manchester Piccadilly calling at all stations to Buxton.
Pavilion Arts Centre
St John’s Road
Buxton
SK17 6BE
About Pavilion Arts Centre
Just behind Buxton Opera House is the Pavilion Arts Centre, a flexible venue with 355 seats. It’s perfect for smaller performances like drama, stand-up comedy, and live music, including the popular Buxton Buzz Comedy Club and Coffee Concerts.
The Pavilion Arts Centre plays an important role in several major festivals:
- Buxton Fringe Festival
- Buxton International Festival
- International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
It’s also home to Buxton Opera House Creates, a programme that supports community involvement in the arts. The space is used for creative projects, meetings and rehearsals, and performances by community groups.
Review by Danielle Booker
You may also want to read this:
Review: Sleeping Beauty at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Review: A Fairytale for Christmas at Buxton Opera House
Review: The Little Mermaid at New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: Pavilion Arts Centre/Harry Renton Photography
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
24 comments
I have always loved this story from when I was a child and seeing my kids enjoy the story as well. I have never seen it live and I bet the show is great for parents reliving their childhood to the kids watching it come to life
Agree, it is a great stories which kids love and even better that it’s made into a theatre show
This looks great! We saw something similar – different story but same sort of vibe – earlier on in the month and it was perfect for my two. Ours was an hour too which was perfect for their attention spans! The intimateness of it all was lovely too. I know the story, but I don’t feel overly familiar with it, but this sounds like such a lovely show!
Agree, for little ones, short shows without a break works much better for their attention span
I would love to see the play in person, the story is awesome and everyone loves it. Next time I am in the area, this is a must see for sure.
They are only showing for a limited time to make the festivities, but the theatre is worth stopping by at to watch other shows
This is such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit if you have littles! It’s pure holiday magic.
Indeed and kids find such joy in watching their favourite book come to life
I would love to take the kids to see this. I think they’d have an amazing time. I love the story and the energy.
Yes they would indeed Ben, such a fun performance
Your review convinced me that this is a lovely way to spend an afternoon with family ♥ 𝒦𝒶𝓉
It sure is, especially if you have little ones
I can’t wait until my little one is a bit older and able to enjoy things like this as I know it will be so much fun. Although I don’t think I know this story myself x
I bet it would be a great activity to do as a family once your little one is old enough
This is actually one of Nila’s favourite books this time of year . We read it most nights . What a fantastic show
It was indeed, I bet Nila would love watching this as well
This sounds like great activity for the whole family! I’ve never heard of this story but it sounds like fav amongst the kids. It’s great that they allow some of the audience to participate – glad you guys had fun!
Yes we did indeed, such a fabulous show
This sounds like a great live show for the holidays! This got me excited for the one I will be going to on Saturday 🙂
It was a fabulous live show and perfect for my daughter
The Elves and the Shoemaker sounds like an awesome show to watch with kids. Thanks for the recommendation.
You are so welcome, its a short show so worth watching with younger kids
I honestly have not heard of this tale before! It does look colorful and fun to watch.
Yes and one worth watching if you have little ones