SnowShow is a slowmo, surreal spectacle

REVIEW: 'Slava's SnowShow' at New Theatre, Cardiff

Unique, bizarre, surreal, fantastic, joyful, spectacular, unforgettable. It's hard to find the right adjectives for Slava’s SnowShow, but all of those apply - and more.

This multi award-winning show, which debuted in Moscow more than 30 years ago, and reached international audiences at the 1996 Edinburgh Festival, is back touring the UK, and we were at tonight's (Wednesday 15 October) opening of its Cardiff run.

Slava’s SnowShow is a dream-like production, featuring a troupe of clowns unlike any I've seen before - in a show unlike any I've seen before.

These clowns don't rush about and trip over or fall on their bums. This is much more measured, more thoughtful, more whimsical. Movement is slower, sometimes played out in truly slow motion, and it's not about getting cheap laughs. There are emotions here - there's love, sorrow, and parting.

But there is plenty of comedy too, as we follow our characters through what is essentially a series of ingenious sketches, creating a full 90-minute story.

Look out for the bed-boat sailing through a misty sea and trying to avoid a shark; clowns and the audience tangled up in a gigantic spider’s web; the unleashing of giant balloons into the audience; and a spectacular musical snowstorm that would grace the finale of the most extravagant rock opera. 

Slava’s SnowShow is the creation of Slava Polunin, who developed an eccentric form of mime, which he called 'expressive idiotism'. The show has won more than 20 international awards, including an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, a Drama Desk Award, and a Tony Award nomination.

It has played to an estimated 14 million people worldwide, and if you can, I'd recommend you add yourself to that number.

If you don't mind getting wet or having clowns climb over your seat, make sure you're near the front. If you'd rather just watch from afar, book your seats accordingly.

And be aware, the entertainment continues through the interval!

This is a night of entertainment like no other - an absolute treat for children and for the child in all of us. There's age guidance of 8+, though - I guess because some of it could just be a bit overwhelming.

Slava's SnowShow continues at the New Theatre until Saturday (18 October). You can find out more and order tickets online here or from the box office on 0343 310 0041.

Review by Andy Weltch

Photos by Aya Rufin and Veronique Vial

We received free tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review