Theatre reviews: The Snowman

The Snowman

Peacock Theatre

(0171-314 8800)

At best, this stage version of Raymond Briggs' story is a pale imitation of the animated film, at worst it is just slavish. Designer Ruari Murchison and director Bill Alexander use Howard Blake's much-loved score so well it really should be a ballet. The second half, entirely given over to dancing snowmen in kilts and cowboy suits, penguins, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas, is much more fun. At last Robert North's choreography takes centre stage, and while it's not going to set the world on fire, it certainly has enough charm to keep children amused.