“The Snowman”
The stage show based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman
Music and Lyrics by Howard Blake
Choreographer & Director Robert North
Director Bill Alexander

A Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company & Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd Production

Birmingham Rep until 31st. January 2010

After all the recent snowfall across the country is seemed most appropriate to be now sat watching the internationally famous production of The Snowman. Fresh from a successful West End season and even a tour run in Asia the show met with instant approval. Tonight saw a full house of all ages thoroughly enjoy their evening at the theatre because The Snowman had returned to Birmingham.

Howard Blake’s music for this production is so easily recognisable and sets the atmosphere from the outset, nostalgic for many and just captivating for the rest the production is all about music and movement and it kept the children in the audience spellbound. The production runs for approx 1 hour 50 minutes including a 20 minute interval and this ensures that the children retain their interest and return for Act 2 excited about what comes next.

Robert North’s choreography and direction makes full use of the huge Rep stage and allows each character be it the snowman, a giant pineapple, a banana, a cowboy or a ballerina to sparkle. Add to this the superb score and the great ensemble and you have a classic that has been delighting stage audiences for the best part of 13 years.

The show will feature 3 youngsters as The Boy and the character won the hearts of all the mums and grans in the audience by being mischievous but never naughty. Remy Martyn who returns to this role and Brad Madison play The Snowman and I’m sure lots of the children will be praying for more snow in the UK so that they can visit them! Giuseppe Lazzara played the dastardly Jack Frost in all his silver gear with panache and was memorable also as a limbo dancing Coconut! The Ice Princess was played with cool sparkle by Emanuela Atzeni.

Musical director and pianist David Quigley along with his band of musicians played flawlessly and it was so pleasant to hear live music at just the right volume for the show and to enjoy every note.

The costumes and set designed by Ruari Murchison are stunning but it was the animal costumes in particular which delighted the children time after time be it a squirrel; reindeer; badger; cat; penguin or rabbit. And before I forget Father Christmas was played by Matthew Graham who was very jolly and a cool mover in all his dance routines.

All in all a super family show and one which you should not miss whatever your age. The show runs at the Rep until Sunday 31 January 2010.



Clive Fuller