A bicycling reindeer over South Bristol? Tobacco Factory Theatres sets the stage for the magic of The Snow Queen

Following successful partnerships for Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Snow White (2019), Tobacco Factory Theatres again joined forces with New International Encounter (NIE) and Cambridge Junction to co-produce festive family show The Snow Queen, which was initially developed as an online adventure in the winter of 2020.

For 2022, it is being brought to the TFT main stage for a six week Christmas run at the home of theatre in south Bristol.

The narrative follows young protagonist Gerda as she ventures out through the icy landscape to save her best friend Kaj from the Snow Queen. Along the way, she will come across magic, mystery, and a bicycling reindeer.

Two of the cast members, Natisha Williams (who plays Gerda) and Joey Hickman (who plays Kaj – and is also writer of all the songs in the show) told Bristol24/7 how the rehearsals are shaping up so far.

The Snow Queen – photo: Claire Haigh/Tobacco Factory Theatres

What most excites you about this production of The Snow Queen?

NW: “I absolutely love this production: it has loads of magical music, fun quirky characters and it’s a great story with a beautiful moral attached to it. It’s funny and it caters to children and adults alike – there are hidden jokes for all age groups.”

JH: “I’m most excited about the ensemble part of the show – all six of us, as a cast, get stuck in from the start. We’re acting, singing, playing music and generally all being mad and silly together on stage. It means we pretty much never have a moment off stage so the show shoots by!”

Natisha Williams – photo: courtesy of Tobacco Factory Theatres

Joey Hickman – photo: courtesy of Tobacco Factory Theatres

How are you getting on with your characters so far in the rehearsal process?

NW: “I really enjoy my character Gerda; she is strong and brave. Gerda is an extension of myself, especially because I am able to add a little bit of my own essence to the character. I have a lot of fun playing her and each day I am able to explore new ideas I can bring to her role.”

JH: “Rehearsals have been going well and it’s been lots of fun delving into the weird and wonderful characters from the story. We created the show last year in Cambridge at the Junction theatre but we’re so excited to be bringing the show to the Tobacco Factory this year; it’s also a chance for us to work on the production more and make it even better.

“My main character is Kaj. It’s been lovely finding the playful and innocent side to him. Kaj and Gerda have such a strong and lovely friendship at the start of the show – it makes it all the more horrible when he gets a piece of the Ogre’s mirror in this eye and becomes a very nasty little boy…!”

Photo: Claire Haigh

What is it about snow that helps to create that Christmas magic?

NW: “When you think you think of Christmas you automatically envision snow, carols and lots of presents. The imagery of snow reminds you that is cold and makes you think of being inside by the fire with your family having a good time – or out watching a legendary Christmas show like The Snow Queen!

JH: “Snow is so connected to that festive feeling. So many of us wish for a white snowy Christmas! And I think that’s because it looks amazing – the way light bounces off the snow means it has a glow that makes it seem all the more magical. Plus you can have snowball fights, and they’re obviously the most fun ever.”

Photo: Claire Haigh

Can you describe the role of music in the show?

NW: “Without the music there would be no magic – it really helps to add atmosphere, introduce different characters, and ultimately to allow the scenes to come to life.”

JH: “Music plays a pivotal role in The Snow Queen. There are lots of songs throughout, and some to sing along with as well! But underscoring scenes makes up a huge part of the musical language.

“When I write music for shows I like to work with themes which then weave themselves throughout. For example, we have a theme for the character of the Snow Queen, and the changing seasons. The music creates a lot of the atmosphere and it’s all played live by the cast. We have quite the range of instruments – two saxophones, clarinet, flute, accordion, piano, double bass, recorder and more!”

Photo: Claire Haigh

How does the main Factory Theatre space, and the close proximity of the audience, serve to enhance the atmosphere of the show?

NW: I feel like the close proximity of the audience will allow people to connect more to the story and even feel like Gerda is an extension of them. It also helps a lot as there is audience participation, so they will feel more comfortable getting involved in the story. Also, they will be able to hear and feel the music really keenly – they may even get goosebumps.”

JH: “I love the Tobacco Factory theatre. I think it’s my favourite theatre in the country. The audience being so close allows for an intimacy which is so exciting for both audience and performer. And the fact it’s in the round means the audience are everywhere – you feel really held by them and supported. Performing in the round is always a joy, but the Tobacco Factory has a quirkiness to it being in the round – it’s not a perfect circle or square, which again adds to its charm and magic.”

Photo: Claire Haigh

Finally, as an actor, how different does it feel to participating in a show for Christmas?

NW: “I guess with a Christmas show it’s extra special as there is always an added sense of magic. I really enjoy it as you get all the feels; I mean, who doesn’t love Christmas? It’s always something to look forward to this time of year, and the children always love it the most: that’s what makes it rewarding.

JH: “I love the range of audiences you get during a Christmas run. You get the school audiences, full of children who are always so excited and laugh or react to bits you never thought would get a reaction. It’s often amazing fun and completely bonkers.

“And then you get a completely different show when the families and more adult audiences are in. They laugh at the ‘grown-up’ stuff but also love the silliness too. It’s a lovely combo to experience.

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The Snow Queen (age recommendation 5+) is at Tobacco Factory Theatres from December 1-January 15 2023 at 7pm, with some additional matinee shows. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

Main photo: Claire Haigh

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