To me, Christmas is a time of family traditions. Every household has their own way of marking the festive period with an annual routine of parties, food and celebratory habits. For longer than I can remember, The Snowman has been a pivotal part of our family’s Christmas. It’s almost obligatory for us to watch it, and although my parents no longer have to rewind the tape after the boy’s beloved frosty friend melts, (and as a result, breaks his and my sister’s hearts), I had to see the theatre interpretation of this Raymond Briggs classic. And seeing as this year marks 14 consecutive winter seasons of The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production at the Peacock Theatre, how had I not been before?

Although this version stays fairly true to the original, a few additions have found their way into the plot. The Snowman is still given a grand tour of James’ house with many humorous results; a melting hand and cross-dressing snowman raised more than a few laughs from the children (and big kids) in the audience. The movement for the first half was largely mimetic and despite being a great build up to the famous first flight (and accompanying theme tune), it was definitely slightly longer than necessary.

The biggest twist in the tale comes in the second half of the show. It’s clear from the onset that this snowman has far more attitude and is a bit more refined than in the film, but this becomes even more apparent in the party scene with other hugely characterised snowmen and of course, Father Christmas. Folk-inspired social dances and ballet are used as a backdrop to flirtations with an Ice Princess and a battle to keep ‘baddie’ Jack Frost at bay. All members of the cast shone in this section, exaggerating their characters and slapstick routines to great comedic avail, before reaching the sad realisation that no frozen companion can last forever…… or at least until the next snowfall.

This show absolutely epitomises festive cheer. From the cartoonised set to prancing reindeers and fake snow, any child will be in awe of the spectacle of it all. And maybe for anyone wishing to alter their Christmas traditions, The Snowman could make for a great panto alternative.