Birmingham Rep updates The Snowman with new flying effects and puppetry
Will Tuckett is directing a hi-tech refresh of Birmingham Rep’s long-running stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ *The Snowman*, aiming to bring its familiar story to a new generation. The production updates the flying sequences and puppetry while retaining the show’s gentle, dance-led approach, which Tuckett sees as a contrast to faster-paced children’s entertainment.
The show first appeared on stage in 1993, following the 1978 book and its 1982 animated adaptation with music by Howard Blake. The new design uses an automated flying system and video backdrops by Nina Dunn, while Paddington designer Tahra Zafar has created a Snowman costume that can blink and smile; Daisy Beattie has designed animal puppets. Tuckett says the story’s themes include loneliness, loss, love and family, and that the production should stay close to Briggs’ original drawings.
In short
- Birmingham Rep is refreshing its long-running Snowman stage show.
- New flying effects and puppetry update the production.
- The team aims to preserve Briggs’ simple, emotional story.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘Hot Santa’, Raging Bull and a Toy Story vibe help to rebuild The Snowman for a new generation”.