A beautifully enchanting and wonderous take on Hans Christian Anderson’s original tale, Scottish Ballet do not disappoint in this not-to-be missed version of the Christmas classic. Bringing alive the magic of storytelling through skilful performances and the stirring accompaniment of the very talented Scottish Ballet’s Orchestra, the show draws in the viewer into the frosty world of the Snow Queen and her subjects. It is wonderful to see a full cast, all of whom are strong performers, and the full orchestra in place, to tell this winter fairytale.
The use of the transparent curtain at the beginning to represent the frozen palace of the Snow Queen is a fascinating use of set and staging. This allows a lovely contrast with the world of summer in the street scenes where the Snow Queen’s sister, Lexi the Summer Princess, moves around the periphery of this different existence, with less set but more people to bring the world to life. Meeting members of the circus and the townspeople, we see the joy that living in a non-frozen world brings to those out with the palace. The costumes perfectly enhance the world of the town, using warm, rich colouring to reflect this different place. When the Snow Queen arrives to enchant Kai, the man that the Summer Princess has fallen for – someone already in a happy relationship with Gerda – this sets in place a chain of unhappiness for both Lexi and Gerda.
With the enchantment and the hunt for Kai, the set develops and brings in the frozen world, giving a fascinating reflection of both the Snow Queen world and the contrast with the townspeople’s warmer world. The choreography is clear with its storytelling. This world is colder and more austere: we really pull for our heroine Gerda who is fighting to reclaim her love, and the sacrifice that Lexi makes for that same love, to break the enchantment of the Snow Queen. The only slight hiccup was a stage floor that was squeaky from time to time when dancers were on pointe, but this was a minor issue.
With Christmas shows, audience engagement is key and Scottish Ballet really draw us in. A few of the younger members of the audience embraced this frozen world, dressing up as princesses, a delight to see, and wonder in happy expressions that show memories which will live on long after the show.
Show Time: 29 November – 7 December @ 19:30, 29-20 November, 4-6 December @ 14:30, 7 December @ 13:30 (no performances 1-2 December), then on tour in 2026
Festival Theatre
Ticket Prices: £28.50-£62
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/scottish-ballet-the-snow-queen/
Accessibility: Audio described performance - Sat 6 December, 2.30pm; Touch tours - Sat 6 December, 1pm. For further information Chat to a member of the Box Office team. Call on 0131 529 6000 (open Mon - Sat, 11am - 3pm) or email [email protected]