We officially kicked off our 2024 festive bucket list with a heartwarming family trip to The Playhouse to see Mr Snow.
After last year’s epic meltdown halfway through The Enormous Crocodile (which still haunts me), I was a little apprehensive about how my three-year-old son would cope this time. But to my relief—and joy—he absolutely sailed through the performance! He was mesmerized by the sights and sounds, wide-eyed with wonder and bursting with excitement.
This production, thoughtfully crafted for younger audiences, had everything a child could want: laughter, interactive moments, and plenty of opportunities for screaming (the joyful kind). There may have been some watery-eyed adults in the audience, but not me. No way.
The show was the perfect length—long enough to captivate, short enough to avoid any restlessness. A highlight for many kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too) was the snowball fight. The performers actively encouraged the audience to join in with shouts and demands, which my somewhat bossy son embraced with glee. His commentary was gold: “It’s elephant snow!” and, with a mix of horror and fascination, “Ergh, that’s polar bear poo-poo!”
The staff at The Playhouse were exceptional from start to finish, so patient and welcoming. They even handed out little booster seats, which my son took as an invitation to road-test every spare seat within reach.
As for the story, it was a beautifully crafted tale exploring a father and son’s journey through grief—a big topic handled with incredible care and sensitivity for little ones.
The set design was stunning; it’s always amazing how theatre productions transform small stages into expansive, magical worlds.
All in all, it was a fabulous introduction to the magic of theatre and an emotional, festive story that left us all feeling enchanted.
A must-see for families this Christmas!
Mr Snow
Written by Robert Alan Evans
Directed by Amy Leach
Courtyard theatre, Leeds Playhouse
30 Nov – 4 Jan
Age 3-7
Box office 0113 213 7700
Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk
Photography by Charlie Swinbourne
Main image: Craig Painting as Mr Snow.
