The Snowman

There are many things that encapsulate Christmas for me – the smell of mince pies baking, carols playing on the radio, pine needles getting stuck in my socks – but there’s nothing that really captures the Christmas Eve magic as far as I’m concerned like The Snowman.

Telling the story of a lonely looking boy who builds his own snowman in his back garden which then proceeds to come to life and fly him on a magical journey to see Father Christmas in the middle of a massive snowman shindig, it’s become something of a classic for families across the country, including mine. The animated film was first shown on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve 1982 and has grown in popularity ever since. It was developed from the 1978 book of the same name by Raymond Briggs which tells its story through music, pictures and of course the magical ‘Walking In The Air.’ Howard Blake composed the lyrics and music for this timeless classic and it was recorded by the Sinfonia of London and St Paul’s Cathedral choirboy Peter Auty (not Aled Jones!). I think that’s one of the things that makes the film so special for me – no words. Without some in your face script where every nuance is explained away according to the director’s point of view you’re left to make up your own mind and the story retains a wonderful sense of mystery, so important to kids.

Normally, when it comes to this kind of magic being converted to the stage I would say stay away – these productions are so often just a cynical money making exercise. With the production at The Peacock Theatre (Sadlers Wells) though I think it’s worth a shot. The production continues through the month of December until 10th January and is relatively inexpensive with tickets priced at £12-30 with a family ticket for £90. It is being staged by the Birmingham Repertory so the dancing is likely to be exquisite. They have deviated from the story, introducing an evil enemy in the shape of Jack Frost, but much of the original remains including Walking In The Air performed my a live orchestra which is a wonderful treat in itself (www.sadlerswells.com).

Sadlers Wells Peacock Theatre
Portugal Street
London
WC2A 2HT

02078638128