Review- Slava’s Snowshow
Date Reviewed: 29th October, 2008
Venue: The Lowry
When I first saw Slava’s Snowshow two years ago I enjoyed it, but I found some sections irritating and overlong. On second viewing, with pockets full of snow and a big smile on my face, I have completely succumbed to the delightful clown and his friends.
Unlike many family productions, this one is far from patronising. It is quirky, touching and at times scary for little ones. But it allows you and your children to think for yourselves. Slava Polunin conveys the poetry and insanity of the clown act, instead of relying on slapstick only.
The clowns here are almost alien; moving slowly but surely across the stage; looking as nervous as you are. Gone are the water filled flower-badges and the buckets of water, you remember from childhood. In their place, are cautious characters, keen to be liked, but with darker traits than you expect.
Make sure that you dress for all weathers, because you do experience rain and snow in the stalls. The clowns interact with the audience and unlike many of these elements within family shows, this time it is far from annoying. These clowns seem real, staying in character throughout. During the interval, they hang around causing mischief up and down the aisles, so do not leave anything for them to find!
Some of the humour is too dark for the under fives, but there is so much joy within this production that I felt like a child again, and sat in awe throughout. Slava’s Snowshow is so interactive that even a spider’s web ends up in the hands of the audience.
The finale is simply stunning and it does make you smile from ear to ear. The great thing about this sublime show is that it ain’t over till it’s over. So stay for the surprise at the end, as your kids (and you!) get the chance to play. My companion, six year old Ella Walsh loved this part and the entire show. She could not believe how far the snow blew within the theatre and Salford!
If you are looking for a half term treat, but the weather is putting you off going for a day out; step into Slava’s Snowshow, as it is the warmest, most uplifting, fun-filled, yet poignant piece of theatre you will ever see.
I want to go again!
-Glenn Meads