My daughter was five when we first watched The Snowman and now she’s 10, it’s still the most magical Christmas show we’ve ever seen.
The show which first arrived 27(!!!) years ago is the stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ 1978 classic and beloved wordless picture book.
This production manages to wow and marvel in a world of CGI and AI, it holds its own when it comes to flying a snowman and a little boy. However, no longer as innocent as she used to be, my daughter took great delight in telling me ‘they’re going to fly now, there’s the string’. It still feels impossible though that the actors are able to stay suspended in the air for that amount of time. How?
It’s pretty spectacular and so adorable when little mouths gasp in awe and dutifully applaud the flying cast members.
That coupled with hearing the iconic track We’re Walking In the Air, the dialogue free play still manages to thrill after all of these years.
This is particularly for nostalgic grown-ups like myself, the stage adaptation of The Snowman is a warming trip down memory lane, reminiscent of looking forward to watching the 30 minute film, as it was and still is a Christmas staple.
The Snowman that features lyrics and music by Howard Blake is a visual treat for the whole family.
One of my favourite scenes was when Father Christmas makes his first appearance, and my friend’s son (four) shouted ‘It’s Santa’. Oh to be young and still believe in Santa Clause.
This is a Sadler’s Wells production so of course, the choreography is up there as some of the best you’ll see over this festive season. Think graceful ballet and mesmerising movements and no doubt like me, you’ll get a warm, fuzzy, ‘it’s beginning to feel like Christmas’ state of mind.
The 90 minute stage show is not all cuteness and light, though – Jack Frost provides a tiny little bit of menace in this cute, fluffy snowy show.
The Snowman is a Christmas delight for the whole family – from four to 74, it’s a real treat whatever your age. I’m already looking forward to seeing it next year.
Need to know: The Snowman plays at the Peacock Theatre until 4 Jan 2025
