'Elf delivery service' set up for Sunderland after performer founds Christmas-themed company during lockdown

Like so many involved in the arts and culture sector, dancer Jennifer Foulds, 27, has lost her entire source of income due to the pandemic.

However, she’s come up with a way to utilise her performance skills, while also helping to provide some Christmas sparkle for families.

During lockdown, she set up events company Evoke Entertainment and has started an Elf Delivery service, which is available in her home city of Sunderland, as well as further afield.

The company, which employs other performers as well as Jennifer, means families can hire an ‘Elf’ to perform outside of their homes in a performance personalised to that family’s experiences, as well as gifts for children which are left on the doorstep.

Jennifer, from Grangetown, said: “So many things, shows, events, and theatre, has had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, but the one thing that is allowed is deliveries, which is how I came up with the idea of the elf delivery.

"All the performers have a dance background and have appeared in shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, and it’s socially distanced, so it’s like having a professional show in your garden.”

Each elf performs solo and brings a speaker with them for music, as well as props and a large scroll to read from the naughty list.

"So many Christmas markets and pantomimes have been cancelled this year and children have missed a lot of school, so it’s been hard for them,” said Jennifer. “I liaise with the parents beforehand so we can incorporate lockdown experiences into the script.”

Prior to the first lockdown, Jennifer worked five nights a week in a cabaret show in Mayfair, London, as well as performing regularly in music videos and gigs.

She said: “Every source of income has been cancelled, so I’ve had to adapt by coming up with new ways to use my skills.”

Prices for the Elf Delivery service start from £60. For more information visit https://www.evokeents.com/, email [email protected] or Tel: 07799666722.

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