Io Theatre have brought together a stunning ensemble of musicians and performers to stage Jenny Nimmo’s novel The Snow Queen. The seven-person cast use captivating vocals, all kinds of percussion, a recorder, two violins, a clarinet, and even a full-size concert harp to tell the fantastical story of a boy who has inherited the craft of magic from his ancestors, members of the long line of ancient magicians that run through Welsh folklore.
The tight and talented cast are captivating from the beginning as they display the best of ensemble storytelling and bring to life characters that vary from wonderfully colourful to touchingly real. The music, directed by James Lark, really cannot be faulted. From the outset it carries the piece; the prominence of the harp sets a magical tone punctuated by mysterious lingering discords that really bring to life the majesty of the Welsh valleys where the piece is based. The vocal skills that the cast display go further in creating a magical resonance in the air. The lighting, designed by Pablo Fernandez Baz, also does an excellent job of reflecting the shifting mood of the piece as the main character Gwyn struggles to come to grips with his new-found powers.
But for all this skill on display, all the flashes of ingenuity in the direction by Delyth Jones, I still found myself struggling to keep up with the intricacies of the plot. Too much of the storytelling was focused on the characters simply discussing what was occurring. Arguably this is the challenge faced when adapting a novel, but there seemed to be some missed opportunities to tell the story in a more visual way. I also felt the piece was too long, and that the plot could have been simplified in order to create a more digestible experience. However, the children that sat in the row alongside me at no point lost interest, and even emitted a quiet shriek of excitement when the evil magician appeared towards the end as a towering dark figure.
In the over-saturated genre of children’s theatre it’s so refreshing to find a production of such high quality that never patronises and provides a memorable experience for its audience. With my minor quibbles aside, this really is excellent theatre that tells a complicated story very well. The talented cast weave magic into the air, creating a scintillating atmosphere that lingers and provides a thrilling backdrop to a fantastical story. Take your young ones and experience it yourself.