Review by Sarah
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
For more than 30 years, The Snowman has enchanted audiences across generations, but this stunning new production proves there is still fresh magic to be found within Raymond Briggs' beloved tale. Based on the original book, with music and libretto by Howard Blake, this reimagining captures all the wonder and innocence of the classic story while creating a theatrical experience that feels both timeless and thrillingly new.
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| Tate (The Boy) and Aaron Smyth as The Snowman. Photo © Johan Persson. Production Design: Anna Fleischle |
Told through the eyes of a child, the story celebrates the boundless possibilities of imagination. What begins as the simple act of building a snowman soon evolves into an extraordinary adventure, as an ordinary winter's night is transformed into a journey of friendship, discovery and wonder. It is a story that speaks equally to children experiencing it for the first time and adults reconnecting with cherished memories.
Director and choreographer Will Tuckett, alongside production designer Anna Fleischle, has returned to the heart of Raymond Briggs' original artwork for inspiration. The result is a beautifully realised world that feels as though it has stepped directly from the pages of the book. The sketched designs and restrained use of colour echo Briggs' illustrations perfectly, inviting the audience's imagination to fill in the details and become part of the storytelling itself.
The Snowman is magnificently brought to life through Tahra Zafar's costume design. Faithful to Briggs' iconic creation, the costume manages to be both believable and magical, allowing the character to move with a grace and charm that perfectly matches how generations of readers have imagined him.
One of the production's greatest achievements is its ability to make us see the world anew. As the Snowman experiences everyday life for the first time, ordinary objects and familiar moments become sources of joy and delight. We view the world through his eyes and are reminded of the wonder hidden within the ordinary.
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| Tate (The Boy) and the company. Photo © Johan Persson. Production Design: Anna Fleischle |
The role of the Boy is shared by Felix Anderson, Jake Durant, Tristan Marwa and Tate Masuku. At this performance, Tate Masuku carried the production with remarkable confidence and warmth. He beautifully charts the transformation from a lonely child into one swept up in the excitement of an unexpected friendship. However, it is impossible not to fall completely under the spell of the Snowman himself. Ashton delivers a captivating performance, displaying astonishing agility and expression within the challenges of an oversized costume. Every leap, turn and gesture is filled with personality and charm.
The production's puppetry (designed by Daisy Beattie) is simply exquisite. Cats prowl, pheasants scurry, rabbits bound across the stage and a mischievous fox attempts to evade detection, all brought to life with such skill that the puppeteers disappear entirely from view. It is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The seamless integration of puppetry, choreography, scenery and video projection creates a world of constant surprise. Every element works in harmony, right down to the smallest details. A particularly magical moment sees the Boy shake a snow-covered tree, sending birds fluttering away in shadow as snow tumbles realistically onto him below.
Then comes the moment everyone waits for. As the opening notes of Walking in the Air fill the auditorium, the audience is transported alongside the Boy and the Snowman on their unforgettable flight. Together they soar over rooftops, glide past iconic landmarks, skim across glaciers and, at the crescendo of the music, encounter a breathtaking blue whale. The sequence is simply spellbinding. Through the perfect fusion of music, videography and theatrical artistry, the production creates moments of genuine wonder that draw audible gasps and delighted shrieks from audiences of all ages.
This new production of The Snowman is a triumph. Beautifully designed, flawlessly performed and overflowing with imagination, it captures the heart of Raymond Briggs' classic while adding fresh theatrical magic. It is a joyful celebration of childhood wonder that leaves audiences uplifted, enchanted and reminded of the transformative power of imagination.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Snowman runs at Birmingham Rep until Sunday 1st November 2026. For tickets, visit https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/the-snowman-2026/
The show then runs at The Peacock Theatre in London from 21st November until 3rd January 2027. For tickets, visit https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/the-snowman-2026/
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| Andrew Ashton (The Snowman) and Tate (The Boy). Photo © Johan Persson. Production Design: Anna Fleischle |
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