Peacock Theatre, London
****
Christmas
is here! The Snowman is back, along
with all his snow friends including ballerinas, toy soldiers, and even dancing
vegetables. Really. Now enjoying its 15th consecutive year, it still has the
ability to fill the auditorium of the Peacock Theatre, both with seasoned
theatregoers, and excited children waving their glowing snowmen toys along to
Howard Blakeʼs unforgettable score. Scenario co-creators Howard Blake, Robert
North, and Bill Alexander take Raymond Briggs classic children’s story and give
it life, colour, and above all, a little bit of magic.
 |
| Photo: Bill Cooper |
Choreographers
Rosella Capriolo, Anita Griffin and Julian Moss help to move the story along
and cater to their youthful demographic by creating simple but effective dance
sequences and over-exaggerated pedestrianised movements, emphasising each turn
of the head, each expression on the magic snowmanʼs face. The snowman is such a
presence on the stage that he’s almost a distraction, which in a show where
ballerinas magically appear from music boxes and fly wires magically attach
themselves to the snowman and the boy, it actually works extremely well.
The
production, although well designed, could have been developed further. Considering
the varying lengths of attention the audience will give to their performers; prolonged
scene changes, simple backdrops, and limited props sometimes made the stage
seem bleak. The enchantment of The Snowman’s
continuous discoveries should keep the expectant energy alive in the auditorium
and not falter. Also, for a production that relies so heavily on its musical
accompaniment it was a real shame not to have a full orchestra to really bring
the music to life; a few violinists could have really made the music soar
through the auditorium, filling some of the gaps left by the direction.
 |
| Photo: Bill Cooper |
Although
this show is first and foremost for children, for all you Christmas lovers it’s
well worth a family visit. If you’re quick, book your tickets fast, and manage
to secure a seat in the stalls; you’ll get to enjoy the very makings of the
snowman himself. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
This production runs until 6th January 2013
For more information: http://www.sadlerswells.com/show/The-Snowman-2012
@Sadlers_Wells
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