THE SNOW QUEEN
This year’s Christmas offering at the Lyric is Paul Boyd’s new musical version of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen.
Gerda and her grandmother live above their busy Blomsterby flower shop. Every day the famous Blomsterby Roses are delivered by Gerda’s friend Kai and are immediately snapped up by the eager townsfolk. But one day a cold wind blows across the land and the eternally sunny town begins to freeze over. Gerda’s grandmother fears the worst when the ever punctual Kai fails to arrive with his roses. Gerda sets off to the frozen wastelands of Finnmark to a legendary ice palace where she believes Kai has followed the call of The Snow Queen.
CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES
There are just seven cast members in this show who play various parts throughout the performance.
Kai and Beech (Ben Garvey) is a tall, lithe, handsome young man. He has short wavy blonde hair under a straw hat. He has blue eyes, high cheekbones and a wide smile with flashing white teeth. As Kai he wears a grey t-shirt with a flower motif and pink knee length shorts, and cream canvas shoes. He carries a wicker basket of roses.
As Beech he is one of two wooden soldiers who guard Aunt Heather’s riverside home. He wears a short military style red jacket with braid and buttons, black boots and a Busby style hat, with chin straps. He carries a staff which looks like a very large wooden spoon.
Gerda (Calla Hughes Nic Aoidh) is a pretty young woman who is always reading books. She has long dark plaited hair which is kept off her face by a hairband of colourful flowers. She has a heart shaped face with wide dark eyes and a full mouth. She wears a green sleeveless pinafore with a bib that has frills at the shoulders and sides. It is gathered at the waist and has a full skirt. Her white blouse has embroidery and the hem of her underskirt has satin details. She drapes a shawl round her shoulders when cold. She wears a red waistcoat, full green skirt with straps and white blouse. Later she wears an old fur hat, gloves, and a brown coat with fur trim on the hood, revers and sleeves, nipped at the waist and pleated at the back. When she meets the Prince he exchanges her tatty coat for a regal long one.
Grandmother Rose, Aunt Heather, Aunt Tanzy (Christina Nelson) is medium height with a round face, high cheek bones and merry blue eyes. She has an ox-bow shaped mouth with full lips. Her hair is invisible beneath a huge pink turban, wind round at the front and sticking out, Caribbean style. She is chubby. She wears a bright yellow pinny with pockets at the front out of which spills flowers and foliage.
As Heather she has long white hair. She wears a shimmering, gauzy blue full length gown with layers that move like water, and a yellow Chinese style hat that looks like the top of a small umbrella. She carries a long staff with a crystal ball at the end.
As Tanzy she wears a long sleeved bright red full length gown resembling the colours of fire and reflecting her hot temper. She wears a red covering on her head she carries a red staff that flashes fire when she strikes the ground.
The Prince Aaaron Halliwell is tall and regal looking. His straight ginger coloured hair reaches below his ears. He has a ruddy complexion, blue eyes, a straight nose and a strong chin. He has a golden crown and wears a brown jacket trimmed with fur on the revers and sleeves, under which he wears a gold tapestry waistcoat and a white shirt with lace cuffs. He wears red trousers and black boots. He swaps his warm coat and gloves for Gerda’s old tatty one to keep her warm on her journey.
Oakie and BAA Christopher Finn. Oakie is the second wooden soldier who guards Aunt Heather at the riverbank. He is small with dark hair, sideburns and a moustache. He has a round face. He wears a blue military style jacket with braid and buttons and white trousers tucked into black boots. He has a Busby style hat with chin straps.
As BAA he is a furry pantomime reindeer with magnificent antlers and a deep growl when he’s displeased.
Captain Crow Darren Franklin is a tall commanding figure who guards the Prince everywhere he goes. He has a long stern face with piercing blue eyes, he has a full moustache and beard. He has a furry Cossack hat with a feather, wears a long black coat with a deep fur collar that drapes down the back. He has a long brown tunic and loose trousers tucked into high black boots.
The Robbers are played by various members of the cast and they all wear dull coloured loose tunics with bat sleeves. They wear small hats with a feather and black boots.
The town musicians are played by various members of the cast and wear brightly coloured shirts and shorts and canvas shoes and one girl wears a red dress with embroidery and full skirt.
The Snow Queen Ruby Campbell is tall and imposing. She has cold blue eyes in a pale beautiful face. She is dressed completely in white. Her hair is covered by a white hat with feathers and net that looks like ice. She wears a beautiful ball gown with layers of white net which floats around when she walks. Her hands are covered with long white gloves and she carries a white staff with a crystal ball filled with snow and dripping with icicles.
SCENERY AND PROPS
When we first enter the theatre we hear the sound of bird song.
Usually we describe the scenery from right to left of the stage, but in this instance the first thing our eyes are drawn to is a large colourful structure set in the middle and towards the back of the stage. It is surrounded by a wall behind which we see the sides of houses with sloping roof tops, towering upwards. At evening time the house windows are lit in different colours from within, behind them (unseen) a puppeteer works puppets in silhouette.
The bottom floor of this structure is Grandmother’s flower shop. It is set into the long town wall and has a bright blue semi-circular wooden door that opens in the middle where Rose sells the flowers. The second storey is where Gerda, Granny Rose, and Kai live side by side. The entrance to Gerda and Rose’s home has a bright pink string curtain. Kai next door has a similar curtain, but his is bright orange. Their shared balcony has railings and many brightly coloured flower pots. There are two white chairs on the balcony where Kai and Gerda sit to chat or read of an evening. We don’t enter the houses, and all conversations take place on the balcony.
Near us and on the right of the stage is a small rowing bow moored by a river. On the river bank a musician plays a keyboard and a cello stands near. Behind this we see the wall surrounding the town where an ornate fountain spills water into its base.
On the left and right sides of the stage are a series of wooden upright structures with a geometrical design. At times snowflakes and trees are projected onto them for atmosphere and the cast use them to enter and exit the stage.
As previously mentioned a blue door is set in the centre of the town wall which is the flower shop. Flowers and shrubs grow at the base of the wall.
On the left of the stage the upright structures mirror those on the right. Near us on the left of the stage is a full drum kit, and a pair of Bongo Drums on a stand that are moved by the musicians as necessary.
The stage floor when it’s the town square has a crazy pavement design, but will become a swirling river with water sounds. Later in the Robbers den it is bathed in red light, or covered with white snow.
The town scene is changed behind a gauze curtain becoming variously Heather’s land, Tanzy’s Robbers Den, a deep forest of snow and the Snow Queens Palace.
Heather’s home is on a foggy river bank. We see a wharf with steps running up either side guarded by wooden soldiers. In the background we see a colourless landscape and small house where Heather lives.
The Royal carriage is painted gold with a curtained window. Two large wheels allow the carriage to pivot and face forward so that we can see a red velvet running board and seating area where Gerda and the Prince sit.
A change of scenery brings us to the Robbers Den. It is bathed in red light. A large wire fire basket is wheeled on filled with wood.
Gerda’s journey takes her through scenes of a forest floor covered with snow and with footprints illuminated on the ground. Projected onto the back of the stage we can see trees, swirling landscapes and high hills where we catch snatches of the Snow Queen as she watches Gerda’s progress.
The Snow Queens throne is set on a high platform reached by two sets of steps on the right and left. The throne is white and has a straight high back that is pointed. To the sides of the throne are two white frosted windows set at an angle. They will later reflect the faces of Heather and Rose.
Both lighting and sound are used effectively throughout. The lights of the Aurora Bora are projected in a multi coloured swirl, as they would be in reality. The images projected onto the stage are realistic and take us on the journey along with Gerda and her companions, down swirling river banks, forests and mountains. Snow looks real when it is projected onto a gauze curtain. We can hear wind, storms thunder and lightning at different times in the performance, as well as the sounds of bird song, and swirling water all of which make it a believable experience.
Calypso/Caribbean style live music is played throughout. The musicians who remain on stage also have other roles in the show. Instruments include keyboards, cello, guitars, bongo drums, as well as a full drum kit and an accordion.
Other props include a bicycle belonging to Gerda, baskets of flowers, books, silk flowers, a wooden rowing boat, the Prince’s golden carriage, and a fire basket.
This two act show is colourful and joyful. It would be enjoyable for adults and children alike. It is approximately one hour and forty minutes, including a short interval between acts.
This year’s Christmas offering at the Lyric is Paul Boyd’s new musical version of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen.
Gerda and her grandmother live above their busy Blomsterby flower shop. Every day the famous Blomsterby Roses are delivered by Gerda’s friend Kai and are immediately snapped up by the eager townsfolk. But one day a cold wind blows across the land and the eternally sunny town begins to freeze over. Gerda’s grandmother fears the worst when the ever punctual Kai fails to arrive with his roses. Gerda sets off to the frozen wastelands of Finnmark to a legendary ice palace where she believes Kai has followed the call of The Snow Queen.
CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES
There are just seven cast members in this show who play various parts throughout the performance.
Kai and Beech (Ben Garvey) is a tall, lithe, handsome young man. He has short wavy blonde hair under a straw hat. He has blue eyes, high cheekbones and a wide smile with flashing white teeth. As Kai he wears a grey t-shirt with a flower motif and pink knee length shorts, and cream canvas shoes. He carries a wicker basket of roses.
As Beech he is one of two wooden soldiers who guard Aunt Heather’s riverside home. He wears a short military style red jacket with braid and buttons, black boots and a Busby style hat, with chin straps. He carries a staff which looks like a very large wooden spoon.
Gerda (Calla Hughes Nic Aoidh) is a pretty young woman who is always reading books. She has long dark plaited hair which is kept off her face by a hairband of colourful flowers. She has a heart shaped face with wide dark eyes and a full mouth. She wears a green sleeveless pinafore with a bib that has frills at the shoulders and sides. It is gathered at the waist and has a full skirt. Her white blouse has embroidery and the hem of her underskirt has satin details. She drapes a shawl round her shoulders when cold. She wears a red waistcoat, full green skirt with straps and white blouse. Later she wears an old fur hat, gloves, and a brown coat with fur trim on the hood, revers and sleeves, nipped at the waist and pleated at the back. When she meets the Prince he exchanges her tatty coat for a regal long one.
Grandmother Rose, Aunt Heather, Aunt Tanzy (Christina Nelson) is medium height with a round face, high cheek bones and merry blue eyes. She has an ox-bow shaped mouth with full lips. Her hair is invisible beneath a huge pink turban, wind round at the front and sticking out, Caribbean style. She is chubby. She wears a bright yellow pinny with pockets at the front out of which spills flowers and foliage.
As Heather she has long white hair. She wears a shimmering, gauzy blue full length gown with layers that move like water, and a yellow Chinese style hat that looks like the top of a small umbrella. She carries a long staff with a crystal ball at the end.
As Tanzy she wears a long sleeved bright red full length gown resembling the colours of fire and reflecting her hot temper. She wears a red covering on her head she carries a red staff that flashes fire when she strikes the ground.
The Prince Aaaron Halliwell is tall and regal looking. His straight ginger coloured hair reaches below his ears. He has a ruddy complexion, blue eyes, a straight nose and a strong chin. He has a golden crown and wears a brown jacket trimmed with fur on the revers and sleeves, under which he wears a gold tapestry waistcoat and a white shirt with lace cuffs. He wears red trousers and black boots. He swaps his warm coat and gloves for Gerda’s old tatty one to keep her warm on her journey.
Oakie and BAA Christopher Finn. Oakie is the second wooden soldier who guards Aunt Heather at the riverbank. He is small with dark hair, sideburns and a moustache. He has a round face. He wears a blue military style jacket with braid and buttons and white trousers tucked into black boots. He has a Busby style hat with chin straps.
As BAA he is a furry pantomime reindeer with magnificent antlers and a deep growl when he’s displeased.
Captain Crow Darren Franklin is a tall commanding figure who guards the Prince everywhere he goes. He has a long stern face with piercing blue eyes, he has a full moustache and beard. He has a furry Cossack hat with a feather, wears a long black coat with a deep fur collar that drapes down the back. He has a long brown tunic and loose trousers tucked into high black boots.
The Robbers are played by various members of the cast and they all wear dull coloured loose tunics with bat sleeves. They wear small hats with a feather and black boots.
The town musicians are played by various members of the cast and wear brightly coloured shirts and shorts and canvas shoes and one girl wears a red dress with embroidery and full skirt.
The Snow Queen Ruby Campbell is tall and imposing. She has cold blue eyes in a pale beautiful face. She is dressed completely in white. Her hair is covered by a white hat with feathers and net that looks like ice. She wears a beautiful ball gown with layers of white net which floats around when she walks. Her hands are covered with long white gloves and she carries a white staff with a crystal ball filled with snow and dripping with icicles.
SCENERY AND PROPS
When we first enter the theatre we hear the sound of bird song.
Usually we describe the scenery from right to left of the stage, but in this instance the first thing our eyes are drawn to is a large colourful structure set in the middle and towards the back of the stage. It is surrounded by a wall behind which we see the sides of houses with sloping roof tops, towering upwards. At evening time the house windows are lit in different colours from within, behind them (unseen) a puppeteer works puppets in silhouette.
The bottom floor of this structure is Grandmother’s flower shop. It is set into the long town wall and has a bright blue semi-circular wooden door that opens in the middle where Rose sells the flowers. The second storey is where Gerda, Granny Rose, and Kai live side by side. The entrance to Gerda and Rose’s home has a bright pink string curtain. Kai next door has a similar curtain, but his is bright orange. Their shared balcony has railings and many brightly coloured flower pots. There are two white chairs on the balcony where Kai and Gerda sit to chat or read of an evening. We don’t enter the houses, and all conversations take place on the balcony.
Near us and on the right of the stage is a small rowing bow moored by a river. On the river bank a musician plays a keyboard and a cello stands near. Behind this we see the wall surrounding the town where an ornate fountain spills water into its base.
On the left and right sides of the stage are a series of wooden upright structures with a geometrical design. At times snowflakes and trees are projected onto them for atmosphere and the cast use them to enter and exit the stage.
As previously mentioned a blue door is set in the centre of the town wall which is the flower shop. Flowers and shrubs grow at the base of the wall.
On the left of the stage the upright structures mirror those on the right. Near us on the left of the stage is a full drum kit, and a pair of Bongo Drums on a stand that are moved by the musicians as necessary.
The stage floor when it’s the town square has a crazy pavement design, but will become a swirling river with water sounds. Later in the Robbers den it is bathed in red light, or covered with white snow.
The town scene is changed behind a gauze curtain becoming variously Heather’s land, Tanzy’s Robbers Den, a deep forest of snow and the Snow Queens Palace.
Heather’s home is on a foggy river bank. We see a wharf with steps running up either side guarded by wooden soldiers. In the background we see a colourless landscape and small house where Heather lives.
The Royal carriage is painted gold with a curtained window. Two large wheels allow the carriage to pivot and face forward so that we can see a red velvet running board and seating area where Gerda and the Prince sit.
A change of scenery brings us to the Robbers Den. It is bathed in red light. A large wire fire basket is wheeled on filled with wood.
Gerda’s journey takes her through scenes of a forest floor covered with snow and with footprints illuminated on the ground. Projected onto the back of the stage we can see trees, swirling landscapes and high hills where we catch snatches of the Snow Queen as she watches Gerda’s progress.
The Snow Queens throne is set on a high platform reached by two sets of steps on the right and left. The throne is white and has a straight high back that is pointed. To the sides of the throne are two white frosted windows set at an angle. They will later reflect the faces of Heather and Rose.
Both lighting and sound are used effectively throughout. The lights of the Aurora Bora are projected in a multi coloured swirl, as they would be in reality. The images projected onto the stage are realistic and take us on the journey along with Gerda and her companions, down swirling river banks, forests and mountains. Snow looks real when it is projected onto a gauze curtain. We can hear wind, storms thunder and lightning at different times in the performance, as well as the sounds of bird song, and swirling water all of which make it a believable experience.
Calypso/Caribbean style live music is played throughout. The musicians who remain on stage also have other roles in the show. Instruments include keyboards, cello, guitars, bongo drums, as well as a full drum kit and an accordion.
Other props include a bicycle belonging to Gerda, baskets of flowers, books, silk flowers, a wooden rowing boat, the Prince’s golden carriage, and a fire basket.
This two act show is colourful and joyful. It would be enjoyable for adults and children alike. It is approximately one hour and forty minutes, including a short interval between acts.
