This festive family classic will fly into The Rep this autumn
The stage show is based upon the iconic wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs and its magical film adaptation directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates.
By arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited and Chester Music Limited.
With Music & Libretto by Howard Blake
Tuesday 20 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Birmingham Rep has today announced a brand-new production of the beloved Christmas classic, The Snowman™,will be premiering on its stage later this year.
The original Rep production first opened to Birmingham audiences in 1993 and has charmed audiences young and old for 32 years, becoming The Rep’s longest- running production. The Snowmanhas embarked on UK tours, melting the hearts of families across the country, and broken records as the West End’s longest running festive show, with its 29-year seasonal residency at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre
Now, more than three decades after its original staging, Raymond Briggs’cherished story returns in a fresh new production that brings the timeless tale to life once again.
This enchanting new production is coming to The House for a limited run from Tuesday 20 October – Sunday 1 November 2026 before heading to London’s Peacock Theatre for Christmas 2026 (Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027).
Based on the much-loved wordless picture book by Raymond Briggs published by Penguin and featuring Howard Blake’s acclaimed 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), and The Nutcracker (National Ballet of Japan) with production design by multi-award-winning designer Anna Fleischle (Punch, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Hangmen). Other members of the creative team include 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 are designed 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) and 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 Christmas Eve magic breathes life into a young boy’s snowman, an unforgettable adventure begins. The boy invites his new friend into his cosy home, before they glide together hand-in-hand across the starlit sky. Along the way they meet Father Christmas, a herd of friendly reindeer, and enjoy a merry party with the snowman’s friends beneath the shimmering Northern Lights.
Rediscover the joy of childhood in this nostalgic and magical family adventure when The Snowman comes to The Rep this October.
The Snowman 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.
Public booking opens on Tuesday 10 March.
To book, simply visit The Rep at birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 (Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Saturdays 12pm to 6pm, or 4pm if there is no evening performance scheduled).