Never one to (snow)flake out on live theatre, we headed to The Grand Opera House to see Slava’s Snowshow…
The brainchild of Russian clown legend Slava Polunin, the production first premiered in Moscow in 1993 and has toured the world since. A theatrical spectacle that has won many awards, Slava aims to bridge the gap between generations and connect the audience through play, joy and wonder…
Living the Dream
Slava’s Snowshow has an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality. It’s surreal, sometimes dark and often beautiful and heart-warming. On a chilly November’s eve on the approach to Christmas, it also captures that winter magic without any mention of the man in red.
Expect clowns. Not party clowns or circus mascots, but tender and melancholic clowns who are masters of their art. They are divided into distinct types; first the yellow clown with a shock of red hair who is timid and mournful. He’s outnumbered by the whimsical green clowns, with oversized feet, floppy hats and a taste for mischief. Stick around in the interval to see what they’re capable of when let loose in the audience!
Each scene is a mini vignette, often with an unspoken short narrative. Whether it’s a gibberish phone call, a giant insect attack or a clown mourning a love lost, they all make sense without traditional speech. The pace builds to a stunning finale which I won’t spoil here, and I would advise avoiding any trailers or videos of the show.
The Birdie Song
Musically, the eclectic soundtrack shifts from quirky and upbeat to haunting and dramatic. Each track perfectly complements the action, and there are familiar classical scores such as Carl Orff’s O Fortuna. I’ve loaded up the catchy Blue Canary on Spotify as I write!
I have Slava’s book Alchemy of Snowness, and it’s fascinating to read how simplistic the show is. The clown shoes for example were, for a long time, large cola bottles cut in half and wrapped in fabric. This bare-bones ramshackle approach is charming, and the theatrical effects here are also simple but incredibly effective.
The design is visually stunning throughout, with bold and vivid colours reminiscent of children’s toys. The lighting design is excellent too; shifting from warm dreamlike washes, to the harsh cold of winter.
That’s ‘Snow’ Joke
This isn’t circus and it isn’t strictly a children’s show. Don’t expect stereotypical clown staples like balloon modelling, jokes or juggling. Clowning is a much broader spectrum, and this theatrical approach is more akin to mime.
There’s a lot for younger audience members to enjoy though. The show is colourful, visual and interactive, and focuses on a childlike state of play. The clowning is well honed, and the laughs come from physical comedy and expressions rather than gags. At only 1 hour 40 minutes with an interval too, it’s shorter than many shows so well-suited to younger attention spans.
Playing the Fool
Whatever your age, come ready to join in! Of course you don’t have to and there’s no pressure – these clowns won’t make a fool out of you or throw a custard pie in your face. However, the show encourages all ages to find their inner child, and the unfettered enthusiasm that comes with.
For the most immersive experience, we recommend booking in the stalls. This is where the interactive elements happen, and sitting higher could feel a little like you’re looking down on people having fun at points.
Is it for you? Who nose!
This show won’t be for everyone but, ultimately, there’s nothing else like it. It’s our third visit, and the first time with our two boys aged 9 and 12. They were entranced throughout, and said it was one of the best things they’ve experienced. Our eldest said it made him feel like a little kid again, and they both threw themselves into the playfulness with unbridled delight.
Clowning transcends the doom and gloom of a weary world, and a few hours of colourful wonder is just the tonic. We think it’s brrr-illiant, you’ll have a (snow) ball!
Slava’s Snowshow runs at Grand Opera House York until Sunday 23rd November. Book at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/slavas-snow-show/grand-opera-house-york/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 