REVIEW: Slava’s Snowshow

© Aya Rufin

One of the most beloved, joyous and spectacular of theatrical experiences comes to Birmingham.

Slava’s Snowshow is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre.

This mesmering show premiered over 30 years ago and took the stage by storm, a literal snowstorm, and it’s theatrical magical has been seen in over 80 countries around the globe.

This magnificent show was created by Russian actor and performance artist Slava Polunin who is involved in almost every aspect of the show including staging, costuming, and special effects.

This poetic and multilayered show has it all. All of the factors that make theatre such a magical space when the lights are dimmed and the mind is transported to another realm are present and correct. There’s colour, there’s laughter, there’s thrills and lots of spills, and there’s stunning special effects that will have you staring in complete wonder and amazement.

The astounding production design is like a vivid and poetic children’s book coming to life on the huge stage of The Alexandra Theatre. The bright and bold colours evoke the innocence and charm of childhood that instantly draws in the audience.

One of the beautiful gifts offered by this playful and witty show which features zany clowns, snow blizzards, breathtaking acrobatics, slapstick comedy, and jaw-dropping stunts, is how it unlocks the child in all of us. No matter how hard your day has been, no matter how tough life has been, no matter how long is the list of anxieties and pressures of life that plague and darken your mind, this ingenious stage show has the perfect tonic to restore some balance and equilibrium to the human soul.

This show is less about clowns and more about us, the audience, both young and old, regardless of social or religious backgrounds. The material in Slava’s Snowshow goes directly to the heart and evokes universal memories and emotions that transcend any cultural, racial or religious barriers. In the current climate around the globe, where inhumanity and cruelty are being disturbingly normalised, this show rejoices in a shared humanity and gives the audience some light and hope, and some much need relief through laughter.  

The less said in a review about the delights on offer in this show the better because there is simply too much heartwarming charm and captivating magic in this production that needs to be seen without giving away any of the superlative surprises that await the unsuspecting audience.  

One thing worth mentioning to those who are going to see the show for the first time is please hang around at the end and enjoy the interactive climax which is simply out of this world. No multi-million dollar Hollywood film can compare with what this show delivers during the sensational and dazzling finale. This memorable night at the theatre that will remain in your mind for years to come and make you smile when you look back.

During the press night for the show it was absolutely amazing to see a sprightly looking Slava Polunin walking around with great energy and joyful zest, despite being 75-years-old, and meeting and greeting fans young and old and making people smile. A true living legend right here in the heart of Birmingham’s theatreland.

Slava’s Snowshow is a spectacular, joyous and unforgettable show that unlocks the child in all of us.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Slava’s Snowshow is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 15th November