Reviewed by Lorna Templeton
Now well into its third decade, this brilliant stage production of Raymond Briggs’ cherished work, The Snowman, has stood the test of time rather better than the poor snowman himself.
Expertly delivered by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the show is designed to capture the imagination of audience members young and old, and whether you’re encountering the story for the first or hundredth time, there’s no mistaking or escaping its magic.
From the moment the familiar strains of Aled Jones and Walking in the Air begin to float round the room, you’re transported to a dream-world of rich imagination, humour and dance. There are cavorting penguins, waltzing reindeer and, in a raucous start to the second half, a troop of the snowman’s chums who take great delight in involving Santa Claus in what appears to be a dance-off.
In a nod to the local audience, one of the snowmen comes dressed in a kilt and proceeds to plant a Glasgow kiss on the nose of Jack Frost. Don’t be alarmed into thinking the director, Bill Alexander, has suddenly gone rogue: our kilted friend is acting in good faith, what with Jack Frost trying to stop the young boy and his new best pal from returning home in time for Christmas morning.
That, of course, is when the inevitable occurs and the snowman begins to look more than a little droopy. It’s a bit of a shock for the younger children in the gathering, but they’re soon being swept along by the grand finale, another big group dance that takes us to the finish.
At a little more than an hour and a half, the show is the perfect length for the whole family and cannot fail to get you in the mood for the start of the festive season.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £22 to £48.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Snowman is at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 15-19 November 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA | 0844 871 7647
