Leeds Playhouse has a gift for sprinkling festive magic, and this year’s Mr Snow is no exception, offering the perfect holiday adventure. Directed by Amy Leach and written by Robert Alan Evans, this snowy journey promises to enchant younger audiences with its heartwarming story and interactive fun. With bilingual performances in English and British Sign Language (BSL) and audio descriptions available, it’s a show designed to welcome everyone into its wintry world.
As we arrived, my two children, Alice (7) and Leo (5), were thrilled to be handed adorable paper penguin hats to wear, setting the tone for a truly magical experience. Excitement bubbled in the air as we entered the theatre, ready to be transported into a frosty land of snowflakes, polar bears, and plenty of surprises!
Blessyou lives in a magical, snow-covered land with his adventurous dad, Mr Snow, a polar explorer and expert snowologist. Their days are filled with fishing for fish fingers, studying snow types, and dreaming of far-off adventures. But not everything is as sparkly as it seems—Blessyou misses his mum, and Christmas doesn’t feel quite as special anymore without her.
One day, Mr Snow brings home a mysterious jar of “powerful snow,” and before you can say “flurry,” things start to get chaotic. When Blessyou accidentally spills the precious snow, he embarks on a daring quest to replace it. His journey takes him through Penguin Corner, over Polar Bear Hill, and deep into Icicle Valley. Meanwhile, Mr Snow sets off to find his son, learning a thing or two about the magic of family and the true spirit of Christmas.
The story doesn’t shy away from big emotions, tackling themes like loss and love in a way that’s accessible for little ones but still resonates with grown-ups. It’s a heartwarming tale that sparkles with joy and reminds us that there’s truly snow place like home.
From the moment we entered the theatre, it felt like we’d stepped straight into the Arctic! The stage shimmered with icy brilliance, thanks to Rachel Canning’s clever set design, setting the tone for a snowy adventure ahead.
The costumes, also designed by Canning, were just as impressive—bright, fun, and perfectly suited to the wintery world the characters inhabited. Mr Snow’s explorer gear, complete with a big winter coat, snow goggles, and snowshoes, was both playful and practical. Plus, his coat cleverly doubled as part of the polar bear costume, adding a fun twist to his look. The set and costumes, combined with the stunning lighting by Laura Howard and the enchanting sound and music by John Biddle, made us feel like we had truly been transported into this snowy world.
Audience participation was seamlessly woven into the show—from guessing different types of snow to jumping in on an epic snowball fight that brought the magic right into the crowd! Inflatable snowballs flew through the air, sending both kids and grown-ups into fits of laughter as they eagerly joined in. The characters also made several appearances walking up and down the aisles, making everyone feel completely immersed in the story. My daughter couldn’t stop smiling when Mr Snow walked past her, sprinkling a little snow her way.
The cast of Mr Snow is small but mighty, with just two incredibly talented performers on stage, each bringing this magical snowy world to life with flair and heart.
Craig Painting takes on the role of Mr Snow, a polar explorer and expert snowologist. His portrayal is warm and full of wonder, engaging the audience with playful interactions and a sense of adventure. Painting connects particularly well with the children, especially during the interactive moments, such as throwing snow and guiding them through the snowy world.
Jayden Reid plays Blessyou, Mr Snow’s son, bringing a wonderful mix of curiosity and heart to the character. Reid’s performance shines with energy, particularly when Blessyou embarks on a daring journey to find the special snow, offering plenty of laughs and some surprisingly heartfelt moments along the way.
Both Painting and Reid use British Sign Language throughout the performance, seamlessly integrating it with their character interactions, making the show even more inclusive and engaging for all audience members.
Mr Snow is a flurry of festive fun! With snowball fights, laughs, and heartwarming moments, it had our whole family grinning from ear to ear. Alice and Leo were in stitches when the polar bear pooped—definitely a comedy highlight! If you're looking for a festive treat that will entertain the kids (and let's face it, adults too), this show is the perfect pick. Just an hour long, packed with energy, and full of interactive fun, Mr Snow is a fantastic way to sprinkle a little Christmas magic into your day.
It’s truly snow much fun!
Mr Snow is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday, 4th January 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
Photo Credit - Charlie Swinbourne
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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