Birmingham Rep has announced a brand new production of the much-loved Christmas show The Snowman, set to premiere later this year.
The original Rep production opened in 1993 and has since charmed audiences for more than three decades. It became the venue’s longest running production and went on to tour the UK, as well as enjoy a record breaking 29 year festive residency at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre.
This new staging brings Raymond Briggs’ iconic wordless picture book back to life for a new generation. The production will run at The Rep from Tuesday 20 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, before transferring to London’s Peacock Theatre for Christmas 2026.
Featuring Howard Blake’s celebrated score, including the classic Walking in the Air, the show is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Will Tuckett. Design comes from multi award winning designer Anna Fleischle, with video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux, illusions by Tony Award winner Chris Fisher and puppet design by Daisy Beattie.
Joe Murphy, Artistic Director of The Rep, 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.”
Will Tuckett added: “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.”
Sir Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells, 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!”
The story follows a young boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together they embark on an unforgettable journey, meeting Father Christmas, reindeer and a lively gathering of snowmen under the Northern Lights.
Priority booking for Friends opens from 6 March, with public booking available from 10 March via birmingham-rep.co.uk.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
