As Christmas approaches, Axminster Drama Club is in the final stages of rehearsing for its latest production, Elf the Musical. 

Based on the 2003 film, Elf, which starred Will Ferrell, the story revolves around Buddy, who is a human but has been raised as an elf by Santa’s little helpers. 

The musical tells how, when he was a baby living in an orphanage, Buddy stowed away in Santa’s sack and was transported to the North Pole. 

After discovering the baby, Santa and his elves decide to raise the child as an elf. He is accepted by the elf community but never feels that he really fits in, and years later, Buddy finds out that he is actually a human being. At Santa's prompting, he heads off to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs. 

Faced with the harsh reality that Walter is on the naughty list and his son, Michael, doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his birth family and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

Elf the Musical was first performed in 2010 and this year, Axminster Drama Club will be staging it at the Guildhall in December as a pre-Christmas treat for families and anyone who enjoys live entertainment. 

Rehearsals have been running since the summer under the direction of Jack Price. 
Mr Price said: “We have been having a great time putting all the routines together and enjoying all that the show is about. 

“It was a little strange singing festive songs in July, when we started rehearsals, but as the performance dates approach, we are polishing everything, ready for the stage. 

“With Christmas getting closer, the cast and crew are excited and looking forward to the audiences coming to see it. 

“Not too many sleeps to go until opening night!” 

The production runs from Friday, December 16 to Saturday, December 17, with performances at 7.30pm on both days and a matinee on the Saturday, at 2.30pm. 
Tickets have been selling well and there are limited numbers left at the Guildhall box office. 

Alternatively, visit Ticketsource.