Birmingham Rep has announced that a brand-new staging of the much-loved festive favourite, The Snowman™, will premiere at its theatre later this year.
The original Birmingham Rep production debuted in 1993 and has captivated audiences of all ages for over three decades, making it The Rep’s longest-running show. Over the years, The Snowman has toured across the UK, winning over families nationwide, and established itself as the West End’s longest-running Christmas production during its 29-year seasonal home at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre.
Now, more than 30 years since it first graced the stage, Raymond Briggs’ treasured story will return in an entirely new production, bringing its timeless magic to life for a new era.
Adapted from the beloved wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs, published by Penguin, and set to Howard Blake’s celebrated score — including the iconic Walking in the Air — this new production is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Will Tuckett (West Side Story (RSC/The Sage Gateshead), Into the Woods (Royal Opera House), The Nutcracker (National Ballet of Japan)). Production design comes from multi-award-winning designer Anna Fleischle (Punch, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Hangmen). The creative team also features video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux (Enoch Arden (New National Theatre, Tokyo), Othello (West End), 9 to 5 The Musical (West End, UK Tour, Australia, Korea)), illusions by Tony Award-winner Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Broadway and West End), Back to the Future (Broadway, Tokyo, West End), The Hunger Games on Stage (Troubadour Canary Wharf), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End and Worldwide)), and puppet design by Daisy Beattie (The BFG (RSC), Spirited Away (Tokyo), The Enormous Crocodile (Roald Dahl Story Company)).
The Rep’s Artistic Director, Joe Murphy said: “Bringing a new production of The Snowman to The Rep feels incredibly special. For more than 30 years, this much-loved production has enchanted audiences, sparking wonder across generations, and it’s a privilege to build on that remarkable legacy. We are thrilled that our audiences will be the first in the world to see this brand-new production and cannot wait to welcome families, first-time theatre-goers and long-standing fans back to share in this unforgettable theatrical experience.”
The Snowman’s Director, Will Tuckett adds: “I am thrilled to be creating this new version of The Snowman, a story that has charmed and delighted so many for so long. I remember getting Raymond Briggs’ book from Father Christmas, then on Boxing Day a few years later, sitting with my family to watch the wonderful film. Howard Blake’s score runs through the veins of so many of us, and to have been given the responsibility of reimagining this story, to that music, for new generations is a privilege.”
Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells, Sir Alistair Spalding said: “The Snowman on stage at the Peacock has been a London Christmas icon for generations – the capital’s longest running Christmas show, and for millions, their first dance production. To coin a phrase, we at Sadler’s Wells are ‘walking in the air’ to know a fresh new production helmed by Will Tuckett is coming to delight audiences in 2026. As ever, we expect the Snowman to be a hot ticket!”
When the magic of Christmas Eve brings a young boy’s snowman to life, an extraordinary adventure unfolds. The boy welcomes his new companion into his warm home before the pair soar hand-in-hand across the star-filled sky. Along the way, they encounter Father Christmas, a herd of gentle reindeer, and join a joyful celebration with the snowman’s friends beneath the glowing Northern Lights.
Rediscover the wonder of childhood in this enchanting family adventure when The Snowman arrives at The Rep this October.
Priority booking for Gold and Silver Friends opens on Friday 6 March.
Priority booking for Bronze Friends and 16–25 members opens on Monday 9 March.
General booking opens on Tuesday 10 March.
To book, visit The Rep at birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 (Monday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm; Saturdays, 12pm to 6pm or 4pm if no evening performance is scheduled).