First hitting our screens in 1982, The Snowman celebrates its 25 years on stage this January at the Birmingham Rep. This enchanting production brings the timeless story we all know and love to life in a charming and theatrical way.
Director Bill Alexander, who went on to be Artistic Director at the Birmingham Rep, and composer Howard Blake first conjured up the production back in 1993. The Snowman is a family show that combines music, dance and sensational costumes to create a magical piece of theatre that mesmerises the young ones.
Howard Blake’s score is beautifully performed by a band that transport you into a winter wonderland. The music enhances the storytelling and creates that nostalgia for all the family.
The set is simple but well designed by Ruari Murchison. Opening with the young boy’s parents in their family home, when the boy meets the Snowman, they explore each room in the house. This is done particularly well as they play with appliances in the kitchen, try on clothes in his parents room and meet the feisty cat in the living room. As someone with a theatrical eye, the transitions did feel slow and jolty, but for children it wouldn’t take away the magic at all.
Robin Kent plays the lovable Snowman who takes the young boy on an incredible adventure. Flying through the sky, they meet Snowmen from across the world and even Father Christmas himself. Kent is playful and animated as the Snowman and brings fantastic energy to the role as he leaps and twirls across the stage.
Lewis Chan is superb as the young boy, he carries the show and rarely leaves the stage, yet manages to maintain excellent expression and immense energy throughout with his fantastic stage presence. The clever choreography by Robert North incorporates joyous characterisation to create an entirely enthralling production that captivates both adults and children alike.
The Snowman is a show that will never go out of style. With a variety of vibrant characters, it’s a glorious production that will enchant audiences of all ages. Guaranteed to melt your heart this January, The Snowman is a real delight.
The Snowman is on at the Birmingham Rep until the 26th of January, information can be found on their website.
