In a moment of uncontrolled seasonal excitement last year I booked tickets to take my 3 and 5 year old to see The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre. 

They'd seen the cartoon and hadn't complained too much. It was October and I was dreaming of a perfect family moment together of innocent wonderment; visual enchantment; and seasonal awe.  But as the day approached I secretly dreaded an impending disaster of being forced to leave by the theatre ushers because I'd way over-estimated our charge's ability to distinguish between being at home in front of the TV and being in a theatre full of ticket paying adults.

Walking through London on that chilly December afternoon my heart began to sink as we left the bright lights of Drury Lane behind and headed towards an empty back street near Lincoln Inn Fields.  But, getting closer to our destination I start to see other families heading the same way, dressed for an occasion.  Stepping through the swing doors into the theatre lobby to be greeted by a wall of noise from the milling mob of children was music to my ears.  Flashing wands and sparkling headbands on sale, pushchairs and buggies parked everywhere, the doors to the toilets swinging off their hinges - yup, we're in the right place.

As the lights go down the murmur of excitement from an expectant audience, most of which were experiencing a live performance for the first time, was just wonderful.  Lights up and we're in James' house the night before Christmas Eve and, well, you know the story from there on. 

The children are hooked, mouths open, the action punctuated by questions to parents and noises of excitement.  The performers mime and dance their way through the story carrying the audience with them every step of the way.

Panto this is not.  Sadlers Wells have deleivered a perfect blend of an adult quality production that engages and appeals to the whole audience.  A beautiful ballerina, a leaping Jack Frost, a jolly Father Christmas, a wonderful snowman and a litle boy at the centre of the story all present a colourful cast of characters from this classic children's story.  But, what makes all the effort of taking your little ones to see this particular production as their first theatre experience worthwhile, is their reaction to the impeccably delivered moments of stage craft that make this show so special.

The moment that James and the Snowman defy gravity and begin to fly is something that the adults know is coming, but the wonderment and reaction of the young audience make it a physically dramatic moment unlike anything else you will see in the West End.  For the children who have seen the animated film of Raymond Briggs story before, this is the moment where the limitations of the small screen become crystal clear to them.

The interval arrives with a buzz.  The worst fears of the parents dispelled, the excitement of what's to come after the interval, and ice cream too!  Family seasonal jackpot I'd say.

Curtain up again and this time the kids are even more fired up as they know how this theatre thing works now.  More flying please and I want to see that motorbike again!  The adventures at the North Pole signal the main dance component of the show, and the whole company are on stage bringing colour and light to the production. 

As the show reaches its conclusion they have one last magical suprise for you as snow begins to fall over the audience, sending everyone on their way with a seasonal glow.  Good decision to go.  I take the credit for that one, makes a nice change.

Audience
The show is designed specially to introduce young audiences to the stage and to ballet.  There is a live orchestra for this production.  I would say that 3 is the absolute minimum age.  Our youngest sat on his mother's lap throughout, which added to the occasion for both I think.  The theatre do provide booster seats on request.  Even teenagers and the Mr Scrooge in your family will secretly like it.

Value for money: completely
Suitable for: everyone aged 3 and upwards, a perfect introduction to the magic of the stage
Best bit: flying sequences 

 

Theatre Advice
The Peacock Theatre is well practised at dealing with the special requirements of a young audience.  Sitting in the stalls section in the middle means that you will get the full effect of the flying sequences and the snow falling.  But all seats offer unobstructed views.  There are few facilities in the immediate area around the theatre as its a mainly business area.