It’s 40 years since Raymond Briggs’ published The Snowman and it’s been captivating kids around the globe ever since. I adored the book as a child and still remember the magic of the film release in 1982 film featuring the famous vocals of singer Aled Jones, which became the soundtrack to every ‘80s child’s Christmas.
I was thrilled to take my girls to see the theatre adaptation at The Peacock theatre last week. Now in its 21st year, the production by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, retains all the heartwarming sparkle of the original book – the tale of the boy whose snowman comes to life the night before Christmas never grows old. Their night time adventure to the North Pole is eternally full of awe and wonder. The production has the added flayer of exquisite dancing, whimsical sets and stunning effects. Every child in the theatre is in awe when the boy and the snowman gliding above the stage ‘walking in the air’.
There’s heaps of humour in this production too; the hilarious fruit dance, the comical snow people and the sense of cheeky glee the snowman and boy exudes is utterly infectious. Father Christmas makes a jolly appearance much to the delight of every child in the theatre. Perfect for children of about four years-old upwards, there’s not a more charming Christmas production out there. The girls adored it. My seven year old summing it up nicely: “Mummy, it’s not great, it’s amazing!” Maggie Davis
The Snowman, The Peacock, London WC2A 2HT. Until 6 Jan 2019. Tickets: £15 - £38.
Ticket Office: 020 7863 8222 or peacocktheatre.com.
Pics: Tristram Kenton
