Elf the musical coming to Blackpool Opera House this festive season.

Tam Ryan (left) in the stage production of Elf

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 very own Tam Ryan, to universal acclaim in seven cities from Wembley to Dublin.

He says is thrilled to once again step into the floppy elf shoes and bring the stunning show to his hometown.

This version is created by Jon Conway, who has produced numerous summer shows and musicals in the town and will recreate the staging of his acclaimed arena spectacular tour.

Jon says “Only Blackpool Opera House has a stage big enough to recreate the amazing visual effects we created for the supersized ‘Elf’ arena show.

"We have an amazing flying sleigh over the audience, twenty feet high growing candy canes, a giant LED screen with Pixar style animated backgrounds and aerial stunts.”

Tam said: “We can create a marvellous atmosphere with over 800 in the socially distanced audience.

"We have TV cameras to relay the action in close-up onto our giant onstage LED screens, so even if you are in the rear circle you will have a front row seat.”

Unlike other pocket-size Xmas shows this year, ‘Elf’ is a full-blown musical spectacular, with the same principal cast of fourteen performers who featured in the arena tours for the last two years.

Michael Williams, managing director of the Winter Gardens Blackpool said: “We’re delighted to announce Elf The Musical, a show that will bring Christmas joy to audiences in Blackpool this Christmas.

“The scale and spectacle of this Arena spectacular will delight audiences at the end of what’s been an incredibly tough year.

"We can’t wait to reopen the doors and welcome audiences back to create a safe and magical Christmas this festive season.”

The heart-warming tale of Buddy the Elf leaving Santa at the North Pole to seek his real father in New York is a Christmas classic.

This spectacular production features a book written by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers and Hairspray) and an original score of great songs by Matt Sklar and Chad Begulin.

To allow for safety and adherence to government regulations the Opera House will operate on a limited capacity that allows audiences to safely socially distance.

Audiences will be asked to follow the venues Safe and Sound policy for the safety of all patrons.

Tickets from £19.00 go on-sale for Elf The Musical at the Opera House Blackpool to Priority members from 10am Thursday November 12.

General sale begins on Friday November 13 at 10am at www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk.