The Snowman announces complete casting with Paddington puppet designer joining show

Exclusive: Birmingham Rep has announced the full cast and creative team for its new production of The Snowman, which will premiere in Birmingham before returning to the West End’s Peacock Theatre this winter.

Directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, the production will play at the House at Birmingham Rep from 20 October to 1 November 2026, with a press night on 29 October. It will then run at the Peacock Theatre from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Sharing the role of The Boy will be Felix Anderson, Jake Durant, Tristan Marwa and Tate Masuku. They will be joined by Teague Applegate, Andrew Ashton, Serafina Sofia Barbieri, Ross Black, Natasha Chu, Eleanor Copping, Kynda Ng, Alice O’Brien, Andrii Osadchyi, Suzy Osadchyi, Ben Randall and Aaron Smyth.

Tahra Zafar joins the creative team as Snowman costume designer. Her recent work includes the design of Paddington Bear for Paddington The Musical, for which she won an WhatsOnStage and Olivier Award. Her other credits include Star Wars episode VII, In the Night Garden, Lady Gaga’s Monster Tour and the London 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.

The production is designed by Anna Fleischle, with video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux, illusions by Chris Fisher and puppet design by Daisy Beattie. Matt Daw is lighting designer, Kelsh Buckman-Drage is sound designer, Floyd Hughes and Adam Bailey provide flying direction for Flying by Foy, and Amy Beadel provides casting for Grindrod Burton Casting. Emma Brunton is associate puppetry director, Keziah Ferguson is associate production designer and Paul James Rooney is assistant director and choreographer.

Based on Raymond Briggs’ wordless picture book and featuring Howard Blake’s score, including “Walking in the Air”, The Snowman was first staged by Birmingham Rep in 1993. The production became the theatre’s longest-running production and subsequently toured the UK, while also enjoying a 29-year seasonal residency at the Peacock Theatre.

Tuckett said: “It is incredibly exciting to be starting work on this re-imagining of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman with an absolutely first-class cast. With the brilliant Tahra Zafar joining the incredible team of creatives, we have everyone we need to shape this magical world into what will be a truly spectacular new staging. I cannot wait to share this world premiere with audiences of all ages.”

Birmingham Rep artistic director Joe Murphy added: “The Snowman has a very special place in the history of The Rep. For over 30 years this beloved production has enchanted thousands, possibly millions, of theatre-goers, for many of whom it will have been their introduction into the captivating world of theatre.

“With all the magic and joy of the original, and of course the unforgettable score by Howard Blake, this freshly-minted production looks set to thrill the next generation. I can’t wait for audiences to see what Will Tuckett and his exceptional team have created, and it’s a privilege and honour that it will premiere here in Birmingham at The Rep.”