The Snowman

USER (05Jan07): The Snowman The stage show based on Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman Music and Lyrics by Howard Blake Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company & Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd Birmingham Rep, Friday 5th January 2007 Tonight saw a full house of all ages thoroughly enjoy their evening at the theatre because The Snowman had returned. It might have been mild outside but on stage the talented cast created a magical world full of colourful characters. Howard Blake’s music for this production is so easily recognisable and sets the atmosphere from the outset, nostalgic for many and just fun for the rest the production is all about music and movement and it kept the children in the audience spellbound. Robert North’s choreography and direction makes full use of the huge stage and allows each character be it the snowman a giant pineapple a rabbit a banana 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 10 years. At tonight’s show Toby Fulton played The Boy and he won the hearts of all the mums and grans in the audience by being mischievous but never naughty. Remy Martyn was The Snowman and I’m sure lots of the children will be praying for snow so that he can visit them! Gianluca Multari played the dastardly Jack Frost in all his silver gear with panache. Musical director George King and his band of musicians played flawlessly and it was so pleasant to hear the music at just the right volume and enjoy every note. The costumes and set both designed by Ruari Murchison are stunning but it was the animal costumes in particular which delighted the children time after time. And before I forget Father Christmas played by Matthew Graham was very jolly and a cool mover in his dance routines. All in all a super family show and one which you must not miss. The show runs at the Rep until 28 January 2007. Clive Fuller 5