ONE of the world's most
enchanting shows is back in South London for a record fourth
consecutive year this Christmas.
The award-winning
Slava's Snowshow arrives at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank
Centre this weekend for an extended run.
Created by Russian
artist Slava Polunin, artistic director of the St Petersburg Circus,
it is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has so far been seen by
more than five million people worldwide.
Its UK producer,
Matthew Gale says its appeal is down to its simplicity and beauty but
admits it is difficult to describe.
"It's a beautiful
show to watch," he says. "But it's difficult to explain
what it is! It's physical theatre and completely non verbal. It's
very clever, funny, full of visual delights and wonderful music but
it's also very subtle.
"The clowns do
some amazing and extraordinary physical tricks which are breathtaking
to watch - although sometimes you wonder how they are physically
possible!
"Each also has
their own distinct personality and character on the stage and some
are quite anarchic, some are quite cute, but they are all very silly
and funny," he adds.
"Their facial
expressions are fabulous - when one of them raises an eyebrow the
audience erupts with laughter.
"It doesn't rely
on a narrative per se but there are a series of vignettes and stories
within it which relate back to peoples' childhoods so it touches the
audience emotionally.
"It makes people
feel like a child again. It's full of wonderment, positivity, ignites
your curiosity and that's the joy of it."
Influenced by artists
such as Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Engibarov, Slava, and his company
of clowns have created an imersive piece of theatre designed to
appeal to anyone over the age of six.
Together they use a
combination of theatrical clowning and visual spectacle to create a
dream-like world where images melt into one another, a cobweb
envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper starts a blizzard
of snow.
Throughout the show the
clowns, who come from all over the world, interact with each other
and the audience, sometimes going into the crowd to play with them or
do a stunt.
It builds to a magical
finale where the audience gets to play with giant balloons in the
midst of a snowstorm.
"It's amazing to
see everyone totally connect with the performers and get so involved
in the show," says Matthew.
"It's a real
visual treat from start to finish and the snow storm at the end is
the most beautiful theatrical effect I have ever seen. It's pretty
special.
"I've seen eight
year olds skipping out of the show with their grandparents who are
also beaming and skipping!
"It is fantastic
to see people really come alive when they see it - it has a real
energy, power, excitement and brilliance to it as well as a touch of
magic.
"There are so many
horrible and terrible things going on in the world at the moment
sometimes you forget human beings are extraordinary and can do
amazing things.
"So to see people
being silly for the sake of it is joyous and this show manages to
transport you to a different place which will leave you feeling
elated and reflective - you will see the world in a different way.
"It's pure magic
and perfect for Christmas."
Slava's Snowshow is on
at the Royal Festival Hall until Monday, January 5. Tickets cost from
£20 Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 020
7960 4200.
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