REVIEW: The Snowman at The Mayflower, Southampton

The Snowman – the Raymond Briggs book come short animated film directed by Dianne Jackson – is transformed into a dance version by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

And everything touching and charming about the film, which has become a staple part of Christmas television for decades, is on show here.

The story – as if you don’t know – tells of The Boy, faultlessly performed by Cameron James Sutherland on the opening night, and his magical adventure when the snowman he had built in his garden comes to life.

The narrative is true to the film version as The Boy, Snowman and other friends along the way take in a journey from the house to Lapland, much to well-crafted ballet dances by other cast members.

Of course, The Snowman would never be the same without that song.

And with Howard Blake’s original music included, one of the show’s undoubted highlights is when the two main characters are hoisted high in a flying scene to the backdrop of Walking In The Air.

Yes, this dance version rarely veers away from The Snowman many know and love.

But with so much affection for this timeless classic, is that such a bad thing?

Running until January 17.