On Tuesday 19th December 2023, London Mums Magazine‘s contributors were invited to join Santa and his elves at the Old Royal Naval College for Christmas celebrations in Greenwich.
Our Verdict
I have to confess that living in Richmond makes me quite complacent when it comes to days out with the children as we have so many fabulous things to do on our doorstep. Whenever something East of Westminster comes up I tend to over look it because of travel times. However when a London Mums Magazine suggested I go to Greenwich to see The Elves and the Magic Bear, I was keen to give it a go.
Yes it took over an hour to get there and I had broken the sacred iPad but the drive wasn’t bad. My two year old Lilly and I chatted away for the journey and it was part of the adventure.
I don’t know Greenwich at all and on reflection I should have planned my visit better as it was tricky to find the performance.If I had given myself a little more time (story of my life) I would have enjoyed being lost as the Old Navel College is truly spectacular, even in the rain. I hadn’t taken my buggy but looking back it would have been easy as the venue was fully accessible with ramps and buggy parking.
The show itself was charming and full of Christmas magic. Performed and lit beautifully in the historic Admirals House in an intimate setting, allowing each child close to the performance. The play was fully interactive and engaging and Lilly loved it. All the little ones were totally transported into another land where they are given the message that kindness has it’’s own magic. We were sat by the door at the back and if your child is a bit jumpy try and get to the far side as there are a few moments where elves come out from behind this door.
At the end of the show there was a chance to buy the book (which we did and it’s a hit) and also meet Mrs Christmas for a signed ’Nice List” certificate and chocolate. We also had chance to have a photo with the Elves.
Afterwards we headed over to the Painted Hall to check out the new installation Coalescence which was very quiet and a lovely way to unwind after the excitement of the show. Lilly and I lay on our backs and talked about the exquisite ceiling for a while and then headed for lunch under the Cutty Sark. There was just enough time for a quick go on the Victorian carousel before heading back home feeling like we’d been on a small city break I our very own magical London. Try and catch it!
