Review: SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW, The Alexandra - Tour

It is almost impossible to define exactly what Slava’s Snowshow is. Part circus, part pantomime, it ultimately stands as a remarkable piece of theatrical artistry, celebrating imagination, silliness and the joy of shared experience.

Originally created in 1993 by the world-renowned clown Slava Polunin, the production has toured the globe and delighted millions. Now, the show has entered a new era, with his son Vanya Polunin stepping into the lead role. His physicality and flexibility are quietly mesmerising, a gentle reminder that true communication can exist entirely without words.

The experience is both visual and sensory, surrounding the audience in waves of playful chaos. Everything within Snowshow is stripped back to its essence, yet full of creativity. Beds become boats, webs of cotton spread across the stalls, and giant balloons are released to bounce through the air. It feels at once simple and spectacular, designed to awaken the childlike wonder buried deep within us all.

The ensemble of seven clowns are distinct and intricately performed, each defined by subtle mannerisms and gestures that draw the audience in. At times, one performer’s choice of darker face paint sits uneasily against modern sensibilities, but the company as a whole demonstrate tremendous skill and timing. Their work evokes both laughter and genuine empathy.

Running beneath the surface is a faint sense of melancholy, perhaps even a reflection on mortality, though meaning is left open to interpretation. The beauty of Snowshow lies in its ability to resist explanation. It invites you to surrender logic and simply play along.

Lighting and sound design play an integral role, acting almost as additional performers. The timing, atmosphere and rhythm all enhance the unfolding mischief. Memorable moments include an endlessly unravelling thread that stretches through the audience, a snowstorm that quite literally takes your breath away, and a final twenty minutes filled with gleeful chaos as enormous balloons fill the theatre.

Those attending for the first time should stay seated during the interval, as the interactive magic continues even while the stage rests.

For the fullest experience, the stalls offer the best view of the action, where the energy and engagement feel most alive. It is a pity that ticket prices may make this difficult for some families, as this is theatre that deserves to be experienced by everyone.

Slava’s Snowshow remains a masterpiece of classic clowning, both intricate and absurd, and delivered with expert precision. If you can let go of the need for a storyline and simply embrace the silliness, you will be rewarded with an evening of laughter, warmth and wonder. You are almost guaranteed to leave smiling.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Alanna Boden

Slava’s Snowshow plays at The Alexandra in Birmingham until 15 November before continuing its tour, with further info via the link below…

https://uktour.slavasnowshow.com/#UK-Tour-Dates