The Snowman - The Lowry - 11/01/08 by Matthew Berrisford

I'd challenge any sane person to dislike The Snowman. It's impossible. For nearly thirty years, this enchanting story has been a staple of British childhood – and it continues to reach new audiences at The Lyric.

It's a wonderfully simple idea told through music and action: One Christmas, a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life at midnight. Together, they go on a wild adventure to the North Pole in search of Santa Claus.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre's touring production of The Snowman is now in its tenth year. The story is faithful to the original Raymond Briggs picture book and the accompanying 1982 film – although some scenes have been fleshed out and a handful of new characters introduced. Notably, one of the most enjoyable new scenes involves a giant banana, coconut and pineapple limbo dancing with The Boy and his magical friend. It's completely bizarre and very funny.

This playful nature carries the show from start to finish. I initially suspected that the length of the production – nearly two hours – would struggle to hold the attention of younger audience members. However, from the opening scene onwards, the performance was enthralling. Archie Duffy as The Boy was sprightly, confident and natural, and Maela Boltri as the Music Box Ballerina was mesmerising. (I have vowed to visit the ballet some time soon.)

Particular attention, though, must go to Ramon Diaz as The Snowman. His performance was warm, engaging and graceful; encompassing note-perfect physical comedy and complicated, yet seemingly effortless, dance sequences.

The sets, also, are beautifully realised – making the big moment when The Boy and Snowman finally fly all the more rewarding. (I could attempt some poorly conceived joke about how I felt like walking in the air ... but I won't.)

The Snowman really is quite unique and, as such, quite difficult to describe in one sentence. As composer Howard Blake points out, 'It's not exactly a ballet because it has singing in it. It's not exactly a musical because it has no dialogue. It's definitely not an opera, it's certainly not a play, and it isn't a pantomime. Yet it has elements of all these things.'

However you choose to describe it, The Snowman is a brilliantly conceived piece and a modern classic in its own right. Highly recommended.