KarenThis week Robot and his friend went along to Manchester Opera House to see a classic Christmas tale brought to life on stage.
The Snowman is a much-loved festive tradition. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, the film directed by Dianne Jackson, and produced by John Coates, this stage show has now transported generations of children and their families into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman.
The magic of Christmas is encapsulated within this performance by The Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the children sat in mesmerised silence throughout much of the show.
I asked the boys what the highlights of the show were. They said the play was good because it followed the storyline but added extras like the fruit dancing with the snowman, and that Jack frost made an excellent additional character as the baddie. The children found it very funny that Jack Frost was seen off by the Scottish, whiskey swilling snowman who plays the part very well!
The only spoken words were from Father Christmas – just like the film – and that seemed to be a great thing too according to the children. The performers really outdid themselves with this production. I imagine it’s very difficult to portray such emotion without script. I’m not sure I could manage the limbo in any case, but especially not wearing a fruit costume!
The youngster who played The Boy was a very good actor indeed and Robot was surprised to learn that younger children can be on stage for performances like these. Perhaps it was some food for thought for him as a seven year old who sometimes thinks the world is a much more fun place as a grown up (yeah, right kid!).
The Snowman comes to the Opera House Manchester, from Wednesday 8 November through to Sunday 12 November 2017.
Since its premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1993, the live stage show of The Snowman has been seen by more than one million people worldwide, and has thrilled audiences at London’s Peacock Theatre for a record-breaking 20 years. The show has also been seen in Korea, Japan, Holland and Finland.
The Snowman is presented by arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited (A Penguin Company) and Chester Music Limited.
Book now at www.atgtickets.com/Manchester or by calling the box office on 0844 871 3018.
Thanks to Manchester Opera House for inviting us to see the show.
