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A cozy Christmas classic which will leave you feeling nostalgic.Summary
Rating
Good
I first saw The Snowman on stage when I was three years old. Since then, it’s become a family Christmas tradition to watch the animated film each year – something that’s lasted well into my twenties. So, seeing it live again as an adult feels incredibly nostalgic.
As you enter the auditorium of the Peacock Theatre, it’s like you’re peering through a snow globe. Designed by Tim Mitchell, lights flicker down across the opaque stage curtain, emulating snow. The set is framed with leaning white trees, enticing you into a winter wonderland. Ruari Murchison has done a wonderful job with the design, particularly the absurdly large interiors which make the young Boy seem even smaller.
The costumes are familiar: the Boy wears pyjamas, slippers and a dressing gown, similarly to the animation. The Snowman’s costume is a fuzzy white suit with a cute orange nose, although the eyes are slightly jarring. It’s amusing to see the other snowpeople representing different countries through their respective traditional clothing. For instance, the Scottish snowman wears a kilt and does a ceilidh jig as he dances across the stage, much to the delight of the kids.
At any family show, you should expect a humdrum of background noise as there’s so many children. Still, it’s sweet to hear their ooohs and aaahhs when something magical happens; when it starts snowing in the stalls or when sparkles burst from a gigantic whale.
The most enchanting moment is of course when the Snowman and the Boy fly during ‘We’re Walking in the Air.’ Both characters wave to the audience as they soar across the stage and excitable children frantically wave back; it is truly a special experience.
Other memorable moments include a limbo-ing fruit salad, dancing toys and an array of woodland creatures. There’s one odd moment when Jack Frost tries to kidnap the Snow Princess. This presumably was added to pad out the short film’s plot into a stage show, but it feels like there could have been a more fitting storyline to include.
There were a few hiccups during this performance: the lights on the Christmas tree didn’t turn on when they were supposed to, and some of the dancing was out of time. However, I’m sure that over the course of the production these issues will be ironed out.
What really shocked me was the number of unbelievably rude parents. Some were filming the show and taking photos of their children whilst the performers were on stage. One couple actually allowed their children to run up and down the aisle, commenting on how cute it was – even after the steward told them not to! Not to be a Scrooge, but I was appalled by the lack of theatre etiquette.
Still, The Snowman is a great show. No matter your age, you are transported back to a feeling of childlike wonder when you watch it. The dances, though a tad long at times, are a lot of fun and keep the little ones entertained. With sentimental music, sparkles and charming costumes, this show is a nostalgic Christmas treat.
A stage adaptation of the book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson
Music and Lyrics by: Howard Blake
Choreography by: Robert North
Directed by: Bill Alexander
Lighting design by: Tim Mitchell
Set design by: Ruari Murchison
Produced by: Birmingham Rep Enterprises Ltd for Birmingham Rep Theatre Company
The Snowman plays at the Peacock Theatre until 4th January 2025. Further information and bookings can be found here.
