Creator: Slava Polunin
Directors: Viktor Kramer and Slava Polunin
With digital wizardry, magical special effects, and super-charged pop music dominating our cultural offerings, it would seem that only a fool would stage a show based on a centuries-old mime tradition starring a 74-year-old Russian clown.
But that’s exactly what’s on offer with Slava’s SnowShow, and, quite surprisingly, it’s no fool’s errand. For over 30 years, this show has continually toured the world, delighting audiences of all ages with its simple, evocative and immersive storytelling. Based more on the Eastern European clowning tradition, where pathos, rather than slapstick, sets the tone, Slava’s SnowShow is an engaging, funny and visually exuberant show.
The troupe of eight performers create a bizarre winter world in which the minutia becomes the hero. A delayed look, a slight nod of the head, a dip in the body, even a barely audible sigh, all offer up moments of pure laughter. The oversized costuming exaggerates the subtle movements and gives the whole look a slightly shabby but endearing quality. Slava and his younger counterpart in bright yellow boiler suits and the rest of the troupe in green trench coats, propellor hats and elongated shoes, look like a gathering of medieval minstrels.
The musical accompaniment features everything from classical to jazz, but each is anchored in establishing an emotive core of a particular scene. As for a narrative, well, that’s as elusive as a knock-knock joke. There’s no story, as such, but a series of comic vignettes that physically, if not narratively, blend into each other.
The performances are a masterclass in understatement. As Slava states, ‘I began to slow down my rhythm, to value insignificant gestures that now seemed to me far more expressive and colourful than pompous or solemn ones.’ This physical ethos encompasses the whole production and gives it an ethereal quality that is both deeply engaging and unexpectedly funny.
Slava is, of course, the star of the show and, while not really present in the first act, dominates the second. Despite his 70+ age, he commands the stage and delivers a performance that is pitch-perfect and equal to those of the younger cast members.
The stage setting is simple but suitably effective. This is SnowShow, and snow (actually small pieces of paper) features very heavily, as does water. If you’re in the stalls, be prepared to get ever so slightly wet, and nearly all audience members will be covered in ‘snow’. The snow effect is hugely impressive, and the show’s finale, featuring a bright light facing directly into the audience and a huge fan while an abundance of paper snow falls, is breathtaking.
In a world of transient digital entertainment, it’s an absolute joy to see something based on tradition that still feels dynamic, fresh and thrilling. Slava’s SnowShow is more than an escape from the digital world, it’s a joyous journey into childlike wonder and pleasure.
Runs until 12 January 2025
