“The Snowman Theatre Review: A Magical Performance at the Peacock Theatre”
I remember the first time I saw The Snowman on stage when I was just three years old. It quickly became a treasured family tradition to watch the animated film every Christmas, and that tradition has stuck with me well into my twenties. So, seeing it come to live once again as an adult was a deeply nostalgic experience.
Stepping into the Peacock Theatre auditorium, I felt like I was gazing into a snow globe. The lighting design by Tim Mitchell beautifully simulates falling snow against the opaque stage curtain. The set, framed with white trees, draws you into a magical winter wonderland created by Ruari Murchison.
The costumes are instantly recognizable, from the Boy’s pyjamas to the Snowman’s fuzzy white suit with an adorable orange nose. It’s amusing to see the snowpeople representing various countries in their traditional attire; like the Scottish snowman in a kilt doing a ceilidh jig. The kids in the audience were delighted by these touches.
While family shows often come with a symphony of background noise from excited children, there’s something heartwarming about their reactions. The moment when the Snowman and the Boy fly during ‘We’re Walking in the Air’ is pure magic. The audience waved back at both characters, creating a truly special experience.
Other standout moments include a limbo-ing fruit salad, dancing toys, and woodland creatures. However, the addition of Jack Frost trying to kidnap the Snow Princess felt a bit out of place. Despite a few technical hiccups, like lights not turning on as planned, these are issues that can be resolved as the production progresses.
Sadly, I was surprised by the number of rude parents in the audience, filming and allowing their children to disrupt the show. This lack of theatre etiquette was disappointing. Nevertheless, The Snowman is a charming production that transports audiences of all ages back to the wonder of childhood. The dances are entertaining, the music is sentimental, and the costumes are delightful—a perfect nostalgic Christmas treat.
