Christmas family fun at The Peacock

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By Kerene Barefield on 7th December 2022

If you find you’re still missing a little Christmas spirit then why not head down to The Peacock Theatre where Raymond Briggs’s classic, The Snowman, has returned for its 25 year anniversary.

There is no doubt that this is a children’s Christmas classic, I remember watching it as a child and now I’m all grown up and taking my own two little people! After a magical walk looking at the Christmas lights, we headed to the theatre in the heart of London’s West End; full of excited children, nostalgic parents and many cuddly snowmen. The Snowman is directed by Bill Alexander and features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the famous song ‘Walking in the Air’, spectacular design by Ruari Murchison, magical lighting by Tim Mitchell, and amazing choreography by Robert North.

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The snowman 10 (credit tristram kenton). The snowman 8 (credit tristram kenton) 1670326734.

This family favourite follows the story of a young boy's adventures when his snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Initially the boy takes the snowman on a tour of his home, he introduces him to the family’s pet cat, his playroom and parents’ wardrobe and invites him to cool off in the freezer. In the kitchen, a coconut, banana and pineapple escape from the fridge and enjoy a limbo contest. Outside, several nocturnal animals venture out to play and dance, and my little girl delighted in identifying the badgers, foxes, rabbits and squirrels. 

Before arriving at the theatre I was worried that one hour and 50 minutes of a musical with no words may be a little too much for the little ones, but both my two children found the whole experience enchanting. Just before the interval we were treated to the scene we were all waiting for; the snowman and young boy flying into the sky, accompanied by the timeless hit, Walking in the Air. 

The magic continues into the second half of the show, when their magical adventure reaches the North Pole and they meet a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, a beautiful snow princess and Father Christmas himself. It’s full of fun and wonder and the only suggestion of menace comes in the form of Jack Frost and his wooing of the beautiful snow princess. 

The Snowman is the perfect Christmas treat and a wonderful introduction to dance for children. 

The Snowman is running until 31st December, get your tickets here.

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