After The Applause

Slava’s SnowShow has been delighting audiences around the world since 1993 with its perfect mixture of wit and special effects delighting all ages. It last graced a London stage in 2017 at the Southbank centre where 8 year old me was left completely transfixed by its creativity and strokes of genius! I was so excited to see Slava had decided to steer his show back to London. But did it disappoint a second time?

One thing that is not talked about enough with Slava’s SnowShow is the delightful soundtrack. As soon as it began playing I suddenly remembered it’s jubilant motifs, and the more I listen the more I have to applaud how perfectly it accompanies the performance (sound is credited to Roman Dubinnikov and Slava himself).

We begin with a large red pulsing light as the lights go down, and then are greeted by 74 year old Slava slowly dragging a rope onto the stage, the lights are low and the audience actually find themselves feeling very sorry for Mr Slava in his yellow attire and red scarf. However with one tug of the rope another clown is pulled on stage and the clowning truly begins! The cast are all insanely talented at what they do, with their over exaggerated gestures and their precise knowledge of what an audience likes to see. It is bonkers and fun, with no sort of storyline but more a set of sketches one after another, set in the midst of a snowy fantastical location.

From the opening scene on it is non-stop laughter, with some gasps for the incredible stage effects that we witness. The scene where we see one of the yellow clowns (Slava’s protege in the show it seems) playing with a ball and a stick is just simply captivating. It is what makes SnowShow so good; the act of doing something basic but making it so remarkably impressive!

Normally a curtain will fall for the interval, but not for Slava. Instead a large cobweb is dragged from the stage to cover the entire audience! It is thrillingly exciting as you pass the cobweb to the person behind you and we are all encased!

The interval is always fun (Top tip: stay in your seats! forget that ice cream) as the clowns climb their way over the chairs to (normally) chuck water at you or place you on the stage and chase you about (as one unfortunate lady experienced).

The second half is another whirlwind tour of various skits, with a load of superbly conducted audience participation by the friendly clowns. How on earth 10 minutes of the clowns just playing with the audience can be so captivating and hilarious is beyond me, but it is and I love it. As Slava returns to the stage we hear the sound has changed and there is a slight whistling in the air, Slava quickly starts pulling the curtains around as “O Fortuna” begins to play and suddenly we are in a snowstorm! The whole audience puts their hands in the air as snow fills the entire theatre. It is the most amazing moment I have experienced in a theatre and I laugh as even the adults look completely taken aback by what is happening. It isn’t finished though as the clowns come to be greeted by a speedy standing ovation as they dispatch large balloons that are pushed around the by the audience and more bubbles and snow fill the Harold Pinter Theatre.

I see the clowns smiling and looking at the chaos and storm of fun they have created in the theatre as they stay out for a good 20 minutes to just enjoy it!

MY VERDICT:

Slava’s SnowShow is an international success that has been created by an absolute mastermind in the art of clowning, there is no critique to this phenomenal show. I urge you to see it before it closes (there are still plenty of tickets available) as it truly is just a wonderful experience.

My standout performer was everybody, yes even the audience and their participation!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Slava’s SnowShow plays at Harold Pinter Theatre in London until the 12th January as part of it’s UK Tour!