Theatre / clowning
Review: Slava’s Snow Show, Hippodrome
Slava’s Snow Show was created by Russian clown extraordinaire Slava Polunin almost 25 years ago, and has since been seen by millions of people in hundreds of cities across the globe.
I fell in love when it first came to the Hippodrome in 2013 – and all over again last night. However, it would be fair to say it’s not everyone’s favourite show. In fact, it’s a little bit Marmite (you either love or hate it) and afterwards, as I open Messenger to tell a friend how brilliant I still think it is, she’s already telling me “I didn’t like it”.
The Snow Show’s stars are clowns. But not the bold, brash, slapstick clowns you may remember from childhood circus trips. These are beautifully subtle clowns, their every move and facial expression carefully considered and executed to either tug at your heartstrings or make you chuckle like a child. In a world where we all rush about far too much, it’s kind of refreshing to watch something that seems to celebrate slow precision.
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Pic: Veronique Vial
Their performance is enhanced by a varied soundtrack of music. You’ll recognise a lot of it, and I now no longer associate Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana solely with Dad’s Old Spice aftershave (don’t judge: I grew up in the 70s).
The audience is part of the show from the beginning, whether interacting with the clowns themselves – who might be climbing from seat to seat, moving handbags, throwing ‘snow’ on people’s heads, or kidnapping audience members and taking them on stage – or helping to pull a giant cobweb across the stalls; sitting through the most fabulous blizzard you’re ever likely to see; or playing catch with giant, colourful ‘snowballs’.
Pic: V. Mishukov
The show is recommended for children aged eight years and over, and strictly no children under three will be permitted entry. I think this guidance is pretty spot on.
Slava’s Snow Show is something a bit different from any other show you’ll see and, I think, quite special. My advice is to leave any preconceptions you may have about clowns at home, suspend your disbelief for an evening, fully embrace your inner child, and allow yourself to have fun. Oh, and don’t leave the auditorium for too long during the interval.
Slava’s Snow Show continues at Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, Dec 2. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/slavas-snow-show-2/bristol-hippodrome
Read more: Christmas theatre 2017 roundup
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