
AD| Slava’s Snowshow – Review
Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about {Hold on to your hats} the best show I saw in 2024, Slava’s Snowshow. So get ready, put on your snowy coat, and lets dive into the world of Slava.
Disclaimer: I was gifted two tickets to see the show in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Sunderland Empire and ANR PR for the invite.
Snowshow has restored the art of clowning by seducing back all those who claim no interest in the ageing clowns traditional circuses.
They call it a stage spectacular, but it’s really a caravan of organized chaos, revelry and enchantment that ceaselessly trundles round the world. It offers everybody – everybody, young and old – an opportunity to leave their regulated lives at the theatre doors and enter a condition of delighted idiocy. We could say that Snowshow is just an excuse to celebrate life in a foolish way.
(Slavas Snowshow Website: https://slavasnowshow.com/en/about-the-show/)
Slava’s Snowshow is a feast for the eyes and ears. Before we jump into the whole host of visuals, I want to give a special shout out to those who created such a special soundscape, and those amazing sound effects. Roman Dubinnikov and Slava Polunin (THE Slava) have done a great job in turning a theatre into many different spaces. The music in the show really drives the performance. Whether the action matches the rhythm, or if there is a long silence before a sudden burst of energy, the score really adds a whole level of depth I don’t think I’ve experienced in theatre before.




Working with Viktor Kramer, Slava Polunin has also created some amazingly deep and thought-provoking scenes. What appears to be a hilarious and abstract clown show is, in my opinion, a deep dissection of life, death, loss, love and betrayal. But you don’t think about that until after the show. Kramer and Polunin create a safe space for adults to have fun, enjoy theatre and marvel at the spectacle that is being presented to them. There are moments where the audience can play, take part and be free to enjoy some utter silliness.
A real stand out moment is the interval. As many people leave the auditorium, the clowns of the show come out, interact, give high fives and continue the chaos for another 20 minutes. This section of the show, typically a low moment in other performances, delivers the same amount of energy and chaos as the rest of the show. I think this is genius and avoids that peak and trough moment most shows have where you build to a real high and then take a break.
The second half contains some really dazzling moments, visually and musically. The acting is amazing and really ignites an interest in clowning. And just when you think the show finishes, on a real high by the way, Slava gives you some more and invites the whole audience, young and old, to play and enjoy the space of the theatre.
I also have to comment on the costumes, that focused on practicality and identifyability. Telling a story through costume alone is impressive, and Slava is able to do that and then give you the narrative, movement, special effects, scenography, set and much more the bucket full! The whole piece works so well, and I am so glad I got to see this spectacular show.
I am truly in awe with this show. The whole production is incredible. The effects are completely ridiculous, so much so me and my partner looked at eachother, laughing with tears in our eyes at the end.
Slava’s Snowshow provides a safe space for people of all ages to have fun and enjoy the realm of imagination. If you are looking for a show to get involved in, this really is the one to see.
The show does contain some loud music, sudden movements, noises and special effects that may be overwhelming to some. For information on the triggers, consult your theatre’s booking page. There are elements in which the cast may interact with you, come near you or spray water on you. If this is something you are not comfortable with, the circle or mid-rear stalls may be your best bet.
I think you get every ounce of value for the price. The costumes, lighting, special effects and the fact you get a theatre trip and an activity in one, is amazing. It is simply amazing! Different theatres have different pricing but honestly, I would happily pay around £35-£40 per seat to see this show, in a northern venue.
Future tour stops in the UK are:
Brighton, Theatre Royal Brighton, December 11 – 15, 2024
Buy tickets
London, Harold Pinter Theatre, 18 December 2024 – 12 January 2025
Buy tickets
Please come back soon Slava!

Have your say!
Have you seen Slava’s Snowshow? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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