Royal Festival Hall 16 December – 3 January. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
I am not overly fond of clowns, so I was a little dubious about this show – but within the first minute I had lost my heart to the sad little yellow clown on the stage. When he was joined by the green clowns in their bizarre wide-brimmed hats, the magic was complete. Think Winnie the Pooh surrounded by Eeyore and his dysfunctional family. These are not sinister white faced clowns, but sweet, droopy nosed fools with simple white eye and mouth patches and five o’clock shadows.
I am still not sure what on earth was going on – at times haunting, surreal, hysterical, poignant and downright baffling, Slava’s Snowshow is an enchanting spectacle touching the child in all of us. The physical skills and delicacy of the clowns are breathtaking and had the audience sitting open mouthed in wonder.
The classic what’s at the end of the rope gag, a disastrous voyage on a bedstead boat, a touching Brief Encounter homage (yellow clown and a coat stand! Beautiful), a murder leading to an hysterically over the top death throes dance (and instant recovery) and an unintelligible phone call that nevertheless puts you through the emotional ringer are all packed in amongst wonderful parades, songs and absurd moments.
The green clowns’ realisation that they can conduct the audience’s cheers was delightful and is just one highlight of the interaction during the show.
Sitting in the front stalls is a risk if you are not a fan of audience participation – handbags are snaffled, snow is scattered (although gently swept off the heads of the front row by the yellow clown), water is sprayed and seats are clambered over. The whole audience gets the chance to experience a giant cobweb, a spectacular snowstorm and balloons… lots of giant balloons.
Music by Beethoven, Vangelis, Carl Orff, Fiorino and other wonderful composers adds to the magic, along with a simple but beautiful set and stunning lighting design.
Slava’s Snowshow is full of joyful wonder and heartwarming innocence, and is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Tears were streaming down my cheeks and I was laughing so loudly that at one point the clowns just stopped and stared at me. This is uplifting and unforgettable entertainment. I think I want to be a clown when I grow up.
I urge you to see this show. You will leave trailing snowflakes, unable to stop smiling and wanting to hug everyone you see.