The Fame Reporter interviewed the charismatic Gareth Isaac starring as Buddy in Elf The Musical, soon to open at the new Crown Live Theatre, Melbourne from 27 November – 13 December, following a successful season at the Sydney Opera House in 2024.
Gareth has most recently been seen as Ogie in the Australian premiere cast of Waitress, Eugene in Grease (Crossroads Live), Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins (Michael Cassel Group, Cameron Mackintosh), and The Narrator in Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (TEG) and more.
We caught up with Gareth Isaac to chat about stepping back into the much-loved role of Buddy in Elf The Musical, his love of bringing comedy to the stage, the memorable comedic roles he’s taken on throughout his career, and what makes this festive favourite so special.
Congratulations on returning as Buddy in Elf The Musical! What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be reprising the role in Melbourne after such a successful Sydney season?
Thank you so much! I have to say I was over the MOON about it. I had such a fun time in the short-but-sweet Sydney season and have been wanting to sink my teeth in again for ages!
You’ve performed in productions including Mary Poppins, Waitress and now Elf The Musical. How has your journey through these roles helped shape you as a performer?
If there’s one thing all my roles have taught me so far, it’s that the world needs a clown they can believe in.
All three of the shows you’ve mentioned need not only a very funny performer, but someone who can find the heart behind the laughter. Someone who will do the necessary falling over, but make you WANT to see him stand up again. I take great honour in being trusted with these kinds of roles.
Elf The Musical will be performed in Melbourne’s brand-new theatre, CROWN LIVE. How exciting is it to be part of such a significant moment in Australia’s East End theatre scene?
There are few things more exciting than to put your stamp on something in Australian theatre.
I keep pinching myself that I’ve not only been lucky enough to be Australia’s Buddy the Elf, but now to be part of the first musical in a new Melbourne theatre. It’s an absolute career milestone.
Buddy is full of boundless optimism and childlike wonder. What do you love most about bringing that infectious energy to the stage each night?
Buddy is very near and dear to my heart in a couple of ways: I actively choose joy in my day-to-day life, and seek to make other people around me as joyful as I am. It makes everyone’s lives easier when we’re helping each other.
I LOVE Christmas. It’s my favourite time of year, and getting to celebrate it every day with some of Australia’s finest musical theatre performers? Best gift EVER!
The role of Buddy is physically demanding with plenty of singing, dancing and comedy. How do you prepare to keep that energy up throughout a performance and an entire season? I’ve said this in a couple of interviews now: I have the blessed luck to have ADHD. The amount of hyperactivity I feel on a daily basis is usually something I have to hold back on in your average musical.
Buddy lets me turn the dial to MAXIMUM and see what I can do. Although I’m already doing a LOT of extra cardio work for the amount of running involved in the show (I lost about 5kg doing the role last time!)
Every audience is different. Is there a particular moment in the show where you can really feel the audience connecting with Buddy and his journey?
Buddy’s first date with Jovie sticks out to me. Buddy is someone who has never expressed love in this way before. He doesn’t know what he’s doing, or why he’s doing it.
Buddy only knows that this woman in front of him who has never even seen snow before deserves to feel like Christmas every day. Everyone deserves to feel like that at least once in their lives.
Which 3 performers, dead or alive, would you love to have a dinner party with? Dick van Dyke, Ian McKellan, and Jon English. Three voices that have helped me discover who I want to be on a stage.
Looking back at your career so far, what do you love about Buddy as a theatre role and what keeps drawing you back to this character?
Buddy is unique. He’s one of those roles that barely leaves the stage, is singing notes up in the clouds, and requires everyone to keep up with him.
It’s a challenge I relish, as it’s a rarity for me to be the leading man and STILL be able to be the comic relief.
Elf The Musical is packed with festive fun but also has a heartfelt message about family, kindness and believing. What do you hope Melbourne audiences take away after seeing the show?
That Christmas is family and family happens wherever you want it to.
Your friends, your loved ones, the people you work with… Christmas is something for everyone.
Christmas is all about creating memories. Why do you think Elf The Musical has become such a special tradition for families, and why is this the perfect show to experience live?
Everyone remembers their first live theatre experience (mine being Billy Elliot!) and everyone deserves to have a Christmas present they’ll love.
Elf literally has something for everyone, from the tots to the adults wanting their fix of Broadway jazz here in Melbourne.
The Fame Reporter Wordplay
One word to describe Buddy
Joyful!
One word that sums up Elf The Musical
SparkleJollyTwinkleJingly!
Favourite song you’ve ever performed (from any show you’ve been in)
Never Ever Getting Rid of Me from Waitress.
Favourite musical theatre role you’ve played (besides Buddy!).
The Narrator from Puffs!
One role still on your dream bucket list.
The Phantom of the Opera (Funny guys can sing big songs too!)
One backstage ritual before the curtain goes up.
Cup of English Breakfast, milk and one sugar!
One Christmas movie you have to watch every year.
The Muppet Christmas Carol.
One Christmas food you can’t resist.
Leftover turkey!
One word to describe your experience in Mary Poppins.
Magical.
One song guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
One musical you could watch over and over again.
The Pirates of Penzance (1994 Australian Cast!)
One performer you’ve worked with who inspires you.
Stephen Anderson (Titanique, Mary Poppins, Matilda)
One thing audiences will love most about Elf The Musical.
The SNOW!
Finish this sentence: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is…
SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR!
Thank-you for joining us at The Fame Reporter Gareth, best of luck with the show.
TICKETS
27 November – 13 December
The Fame Reporter Social Media
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
All photos – Daniel Boud
The Fame Reporter 