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The Snowman: Christmas has truly come early

2 hours ago
2 min read
Andrew Ashton as the Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.
Andrew Ashton as the Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.

The Snowman is at Birmingham Rep from 20 October to 1 November 2026 before moving onto the Peacock Theatre from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Directed by Will Tuckett,

Review by Ellie Blackwell.

 

The Snowman at The Rep oozes with comfort, homeliness and wonder. With a pirouetting Santa Claus, parties in the North Pole, toyboxes coming alive, and snowmen that fly, it’s pure magic from start to finish.


From the first notes of Howard Blake’s beloved music score I was transported. As enchanting as a Christmas card, Anna Fleischle’s set features a little house casting soft golden light onto a frosty winter landscape.


Andrew Ashton as Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.
Andrew Ashton as Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.

Inside, heartwarming scenes of family joy and a child’s excitement emanate Christmas spirit. Even a cheeky, family cat earned adoring chuckles, artfully led by two of the “talented and committed” cast (according to artistic director Joe Murphy). The ensemble’s excellent ballet performances throughout also elevated the entire experience.  


The Snowman was instantly lovable, Tahra Zafar did a wonderful job on the costume, and his bumbling antics won belly laughs from the children in the front row. However, I do believe that this is one of the few productions on stage that can be entirely understood and truly adored four-year-olds and forty-year-olds alike. Every tiny detail stayed true to the film and when they soared through the air, as cliché as it sounds, my heart felt like it was soaring with them.


Tate Masuku, sharing the role of The Boy with Felix Anderson, Jake Durant and Tristan Marwa, was an asset to the production with a joyous performance.


Andrew Ashton as the Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.
Andrew Ashton as the Snowman, Tate as The Boy. Photo by Johan Persson. Production Design Anna Fleiscule.

The mayor of Birmingham even called it “brilliant” and said we should all be “proud” of the city after watching this. Actress and ballet dancer Kynda Ng called it her favourite production thanks to the supportive cast, which really shone through on stage – especially the bond between the Snowman and The Boy.


They say you can’t buy happiness, but tickets for The Snowman are on sale now at The Rep, and it’s already made my Christmas. It has my highest praise.  


 

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