The Snow Queen, Smock Alley Theatre

"This is how the season feels" is a statement sung by the cast of Ian Toner's adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen. And by the end of Ian Toner's adaptation, the sentiment is spot on. To create a play that is entertaining to both adults and children is not an easy task. But in Ian Toner's adaptation this is exactly what comes to pass. To also instill a watery world with the glitter of Christmas is even more special. It is totally captivating, beautiful, and enchanting.

The snow is gone. There is no Christmas. And the world is mainly water. Best friends Gerda and Kay, along with every one else, travels through canals to get to school, in a society run by 'The Corporation', a paternal 'ask no questions' type of government, who take care of everything, ("The Corporation wouldn't lie to us," Gerda reminds Kay, "they told us so.") Children are forbidden to read books, "That's why the invented the internet," Gerda again tells Kay, who has indeed stolen a book - The Snow Queen. Kay is curious and falls under the spell of the Queen herself, and leaves the confines of the walled waterworld, where people fear to go. But while Gerda is scared, she decides she must find her best friend, and takes Pollyanna, her parrot, brought to life as a puppet, where we can see the puppeteer in full light and full expression, and together they set off to find Kay.

Gerda meets an array of characters, from a lonely lighthouse keeper, to a group of marauding pirates, and Rudolpho (a wonderful creation from John Merriman), and then Nick (Gerard Adlum in brilliant form), with a terrific central performance from Clodagh Mooney Duggan as Gerda, capturing the character just right, realising Gerda's journey well. But once again Aislinn O'Byrne shows what a wonderful actress and comedian she is with her wonderful expressions as Mildred. With an excellent cast, it does show that if you give great actors wonderful material, they will all deliver to a high level. And this is what comes to pass. 

This play, with songs as well - all unmicrophoned - entertains first, and while there is a message, it is there if you want it to be. If not, you can sit back and enjoy. (Something other writers could take note of.) Toner's writing is smart and wonderful, and the show is delivered perfectly. The set of levels made from tables, reminds us perfectly of docks, while the nautical compass adorns the floor, stretching to all sides, added to by a wonderful lighting design. While director Sarah Finlay keeps it all afloat and pushing forward, peppered with some great visual gags. "People want to be good...they're just really bad at it" Gerda says. Not here, Gerda. Here, all are excellent.

This is a fantastic production from all involved, and is a wonderful way to spend an evening in the theatre. It tells a very good tale and takes us all on a journey. I'm sure This Snow Queen will receive a  longer, and larger, life at some point in the future.