Elf The Musical flies in to Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Film festive favourite Elf is coming to the stage this Christmas season.

There will be two performances of Elf: The Musical at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena next week.

They take place on Thursday at 7pm and Friday at 1pm.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This festive treat features a fantastic flying sleigh, 20ft high growing candy canes, a giant LED screen with Pixar-style animated backgrounds, and amazing aerial stunts.

There is also the chance for the audience to join in a snowball fight in an indoor snowstorm.

A mobile stage travels the auditorium, so everyone gets a close-up view of the action.

The show features West End star Steven Serlin stepping into the big floppy shoes of Will Ferrell to play Buddy the Elf.

The cast also features Blackpool and Butlins resorts new comedy star Jordan Conway in a multitude of zany characters.

Television’s Birds Of A Feather comedy actor Charlie Quirke stars as the cop and Kelly Banlaki returns as the leading lady, playing Buddy’s love interest, Jovie the elf.

Elf: The Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer) with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Producer and director Jon Conway said: “This is the fourth year we have presented this epic version of the Broadway and Hollywood hit. Elf is always one of the most popular Christmas films and Buddy a truly iconic character.

We have made the show even bigger and better with new features to make it a really thrilling experience.”