This winter family favourite is the heartwarming tale of a boy, and a snowman who comes to life. Back for its 28th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. The Snowman is an enchanting introduction to dance for the whole family.
The Snowman is directed by Bill Alexander and features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song Walking in the Air, spectacular design by Ruari Murchison, magical lighting by Tim Mitchell, and amazing choreography by Robert North, all of which is accompanied by a live orchestra.
We caught up with cast member Alfie Kennedy who plays Jack Frost and the Cowboy Snowman in the production.
What can you me about The Snowman and your roles within the show?
The Snowman is a magical, much-loved, family tradition! It’s a classic family dance show that has been running for over 30 years in London, and I am playing Jack Frost and Cowboy Snowman, sharing the role with the fab Wil Trash. It tells the story of a Boy building a snowman, and overnight, the Snowman coming alive. He takes the Boy on a magical journey to the North Pole where he meets all of the other snowmen, as well as having a run-in with the evil Jack Frost, and meeting Father Christmas! The Snowman returns the boy back to his bed, and when the boy awakes the next morning, the Snowman has melted away. It’s a heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.
The Snowman is a magical, much-loved, family tradition! It’s a classic family dance show that has been running for over 30 years in London, and I am playing Jack Frost and Cowboy Snowman, sharing the role with the fab Wil Trash. It tells the story of a Boy building a snowman, and overnight, the Snowman coming alive. He takes the Boy on a magical journey to the North Pole where he meets all of the other snowmen, as well as having a run-in with the evil Jack Frost, and meeting Father Christmas! The Snowman returns the boy back to his bed, and when the boy awakes the next morning, the Snowman has melted away. It’s a heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.
Can you remember your own first encounter with The Snowman?
Yes! When I was little, we used to watch it every Christmas on TV. It was a family tradition to snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate. It’s such a magical story - and is set in the South Downs where I grew up - and where author, Raymond Briggs also lived. I could really imagine souring over my local hills! I still have my copy of the original book.
Yes! When I was little, we used to watch it every Christmas on TV. It was a family tradition to snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate. It’s such a magical story - and is set in the South Downs where I grew up - and where author, Raymond Briggs also lived. I could really imagine souring over my local hills! I still have my copy of the original book.
How does it feel to be part of a show that has been a favourite for so many families over the years?
Honestly, so exciting! There is such an honour in being a small part of such a special show. Seeing the children playing the Boy find so much joy and magic in the rehearsals is heart-warming, and I can’t wait to be playing to so many families - particularly when this might be their first theatre experience.
Honestly, so exciting! There is such an honour in being a small part of such a special show. Seeing the children playing the Boy find so much joy and magic in the rehearsals is heart-warming, and I can’t wait to be playing to so many families - particularly when this might be their first theatre experience.
You’re taking on two different roles in this production. How do you approach that challenge?
It’s a tricky one - the show has a bit of an unconventional set up with how the cast works; we all cover multiple roles in some way or another. I really enjoy the challenge of it; swinging is something I’ve always loved as it really activates your brain, and the challenge of performing two tracks keeps it fresh. I think it also really allows for more interpretation within the show; Wil (the other Jack Frost) and I have both learnt the same show, but as with any two artists in a role, we perform it quite differently, which keeps the show evolving. It means that the other artists around us can gain more insight from the varied interactions, and that we can draw inspiration from each other.
It’s a tricky one - the show has a bit of an unconventional set up with how the cast works; we all cover multiple roles in some way or another. I really enjoy the challenge of it; swinging is something I’ve always loved as it really activates your brain, and the challenge of performing two tracks keeps it fresh. I think it also really allows for more interpretation within the show; Wil (the other Jack Frost) and I have both learnt the same show, but as with any two artists in a role, we perform it quite differently, which keeps the show evolving. It means that the other artists around us can gain more insight from the varied interactions, and that we can draw inspiration from each other.
How do you approach the physical elements of these characters?
I think for something as physical and comedic as Robert North’s choreography, it will always start with the walk of the character. You can often gain a lot of understanding of a person from the way that they walk, whether that be the weight of the step, how they transfer from one foot to another, or what part of their body leads. Obviously, in this production, it is a lot less subtle that these, but I think the walk really dictates the rest of the character for both my roles. The Cowboy Snowman walks with a swagger like John Wayne - it's meant to be like he's lost his horse. There's a similar theatricality within Jack Frost of it being very performative, but there's a snootiness about him; he knows he holds the power, and so he almost looks down upon everyone. Both roles are great fun to play and I feel so lucky to be playing both!
I think for something as physical and comedic as Robert North’s choreography, it will always start with the walk of the character. You can often gain a lot of understanding of a person from the way that they walk, whether that be the weight of the step, how they transfer from one foot to another, or what part of their body leads. Obviously, in this production, it is a lot less subtle that these, but I think the walk really dictates the rest of the character for both my roles. The Cowboy Snowman walks with a swagger like John Wayne - it's meant to be like he's lost his horse. There's a similar theatricality within Jack Frost of it being very performative, but there's a snootiness about him; he knows he holds the power, and so he almost looks down upon everyone. Both roles are great fun to play and I feel so lucky to be playing both!
 |
| Alfie Kennedy |
How do you normally mentally and physically prepare for a performance?
I love to do a long plank at the 5 minute call, and usually at some point at the break in the show - it really keeps you centred and strong. A bit of box breathing really helps too!
I love to do a long plank at the 5 minute call, and usually at some point at the break in the show - it really keeps you centred and strong. A bit of box breathing really helps too!
What excites you most about the choreography in this production?
The Snowman has such a long legacy - this is the show's thirty second year, and it has such a rich history. Drew Mconie was the boy in the recorded production! North's choreography is really rooted in physical storytelling, and I think that is really rare in this day and age - so it's a really nice challenge to have to communicate so much through physicality. The movement language is so varied from character to character, creating some really clever relationships between them. I just think it is so cleverly crafted - it's such a joy to be able to learn the rep!
The Snowman has such a long legacy - this is the show's thirty second year, and it has such a rich history. Drew Mconie was the boy in the recorded production! North's choreography is really rooted in physical storytelling, and I think that is really rare in this day and age - so it's a really nice challenge to have to communicate so much through physicality. The movement language is so varied from character to character, creating some really clever relationships between them. I just think it is so cleverly crafted - it's such a joy to be able to learn the rep!
What aspects of the production do you believe enhance the magic of “The Snowman”?
Since the production was created before most of the sophisticated technology that we have these days, and the show hasn't been changed since, there are loads of ingenious moments that create the magic in such a simple way. For example, I find the snowman's face so effective yet simple. Having velcro hidden so that they're able to swap out his decorations for many comedic moments works so well, and gets such a laugh! There are so many lessons to be learnt from the production design and how they've managed to craft so many incredible moments without any technology. Obviously, I have to mention the flying too! It's a staple of the show, and there's nothing more special than watching children see the snowman and the boy soar above their heads.
Since the production was created before most of the sophisticated technology that we have these days, and the show hasn't been changed since, there are loads of ingenious moments that create the magic in such a simple way. For example, I find the snowman's face so effective yet simple. Having velcro hidden so that they're able to swap out his decorations for many comedic moments works so well, and gets such a laugh! There are so many lessons to be learnt from the production design and how they've managed to craft so many incredible moments without any technology. Obviously, I have to mention the flying too! It's a staple of the show, and there's nothing more special than watching children see the snowman and the boy soar above their heads.
Lastly, what do you hope families take away from watching “The Snowman”?
I really hope that families can gather up and take home some of the show’s joy and simple magic. In the busy world we live in now, it's so lovely to be able to escape from it all and experience something that is filled with nothing but love and friendship. It is a timeless story, and I think the stage production beautifully brings it to life.
I really hope that families can gather up and take home some of the show’s joy and simple magic. In the busy world we live in now, it's so lovely to be able to escape from it all and experience something that is filled with nothing but love and friendship. It is a timeless story, and I think the stage production beautifully brings it to life.
The Snowman runs at the Peacock Theatre from 22nd November 2025 until 4th January 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/the-snowman-2025/
Alfie Kennedy is represented by BBA Management.
Post a Comment