Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
With a dazzling light and sound show introduction, this glittering, seasonal spectacle started with a promise of epic adventure, spell-binding magic, action-packed excitement and heart-warming friendship.
The story starts with the audience meeting Gerda (Nadia Devereux) and her brother Kai (Joshua Poole) who are joined at the hip but when the shard of enchanted mirror mischievously is shown to Kai, he falls under a deep and hateful, cold spell. As the heartless but beautiful Snow Queen (Helena Devereux) steals him away, Gerda is the only one that believes that he can be saved so, armed with just her wits and battered between blizzards and the Snow Queen’s sorcery, devoted Gerda meets up with the playful Jack Frost to embark on an enchanted and gripping adventure to reach the Ice Palace in the heart of the frozen north. While on their way, they encounter beautiful princesses, ferocious robbers, devious wizards, a mysterious old women who may not be what she seems and a hoard of the queen’s mumbling mischievous trolls, they must race through the four seasons to rescue her captive brother and prevent the Snow Queen’s disturbing plan to plunge the world into and everlasting winter. All with the help of a pleasant, talking Yeti (Lyon Devereux) or as he puts it, a sasquatch with a very big heart!
The two main actresses were the highlight of our evening, Nadia and Helena were wonderfully suited to their roles. The trolls were cute and talented, manoeuvring across the stage at the queen’s bidding. The cast were fabulous at stopping characters and costumes, I was very surprised at how many characters played more than one role.
Ceridwen Theatre Company makes a welcome return to the Albany stage to present their brand-new adaptation of this iconic story – an inventive take on a classic tale full of bravery and adventure. Their writer Lyon has taken seven stories of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen and combined their elements into an exciting production with compelling characters, an action-packed plot and original music and even a hint of pantomime. Combining music, laughter and a thrilling story (and a LOT of stage smoke), this creative and sparkling production is guaranteed to engage and enchant audiences of all ages, my children and I found the entire play very entertaining, especially when Gerda and Jack Frost were chasing the Autumn Queen (Cat Smyth) around the theatre, engaging with the audience on the way and throwing two huge snowballs (inflatable ones).
The Albany is proud of its home at the beautiful Art Deco theatre in the heart of Coventry and the new studio space staging in-house and professional touring dance, drama, music and comedy productions. From exquisite professional ballet companies to fun-packed tribute acts, local community shows to spectacular Off-Broadway hits, The Albany’s two theatres play host to dance, drama, music and comedy events both large and small. The theatre is now a thriving arts venue. Run as a charity by a professional core staff with assistance from a team of volunteers, the Arts for Life initiative has a burgeoning reputation for providing visitors and local communities alike with a flourishing theatre and music scene that promises to make a valued contribution to Coventry’s UK City of Culture status. The access was suitable for all people’s needs and the facilities were clean and warm. Parking was easily located in close vicinity of the theatre and at very reasonable prices.
Rating: 3/5
Tickets cost from £9 to £16 (booking fees may apply).
The Snow Queen is at the Albany Theatre in Coventry from 9-28 December 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.albanytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 024 7699 8964.
The Albany Theatre, Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ | 024 7699 8964
