The Greenwich Theatre repertory company have been busy little elves this summer. Not only has the six-strong team been performing The 3 Musketeers, but a rotating trio has been doubling up to entertain a younger age group with The Elves and the Shoemaker. Written by Brad Tutt (the creative mind behind last summer’s Beauty and the Beast), it’s an entertaining stomp through the classic Brother’s Grimm story. We squeezed in a trip to the shoe shop just before it shut for the summer.
Things haven’t been going well for the Shoemaker (Jack Benjamin). Shoe La La has been in his family for generations, but now it’s under threat. Nobody seems to want to buy shoes anymore, and the shoemaker can’t afford his rent. He needs to find some customers quickly, or he’ll be forced to shut up shop for good. As luck would have it, there’s a new neighbour in town (James Aldred), who’s never worn a pair of shoes in his life. He’s up for a change, but the Shoemaker’s not so sure.
With his landlord’s deadline looming, the Shoemaker tries his best to make some shiny new shoes that will please his customer, but everything he comes up with is just bland and boring. To make matters worse, a pair of mischief makers keep sneaking into his shop late and night and causing all sorts of colourful chaos. Every morning, he finds fabulous new footwear on display, but they’re nothing like his traditional, sensible shoes. Can he step out of his comfort zone and accept the elves’ assistance? Or will his new customer walk away in socks once more?
It’s a well-paced production (directed by Ella McKeown) with a witty script that keeps audience members of all ages entertained, featuring just the right amount of audience participation. It’s great to see a smaller group of these emerging actors taking more prominent parts in this show, showing different skills to those they display in The 3 Musketeers. Jana Lakatos has also done a great job with the versatile set design that houses both shows.
Overall, The Elves and the Shoemaker is an entertaining production featuring some positive messaging about change and tradition. But most importantly, it’s good to see young audiences being encouraged to view Crocs as a crime against fashion!
The Elves and the Shoemaker played at Greenwich Theatre from 30 July to 24 August 2025. We received a complimentary ticket to the performance on 22 August.