A Review By Emily Shirtcliff

The Cherwell Theatre Company's latest seasonal theatrical offering is Nasser Memarzia's retelling of the classic Danish fairy tale, The Snow Queen. The story follows Gerda as she encounters a bizarre Flower Woman, a fearsome Robber Maiden, and a Benevolent Reindeer in her journey to find her best friend, Kai. Kai has been captured by the Snow Queen, whose shattered distorting mirror pierces and freezes the eyes and hearts of ordinary people; and therein lies the touching moral of the story. 

As is characteristic of this creative company, the production engages each of our senses from beginning to end.  Robin Henderson's design is artistic and immersing, and combined with the atmospheric original music accompanying the performance (composer Emily Memarzia), it adds to the magic that pervades the production.  The attention to detail in every directional aspect - from the elegant script and comprehensive use of space, to the props and sound effects - is impressive. 

Memarzia's talent for storytelling is once again evident in The Snow Queen, and this is a striking element of the production, realised through the shared narration that the cast deliver competently. The company portray their physical group scenes in particular with admirable cohesion and commitment, mesmerising the audience in a variety of still and hushed; raucous and comic moments. The  strong adult cast display impressive conviction and characterisation as they weave between roles, their confident vocals propelling the story forward. The physical animation of James Snee and Emma Sian Cooper stand out particularly, in their respective roles as Mr Crow and the Robber Maiden.  

The younger members of the cast display a notable level of maturity in their roles, with Kai and Gerda portrayed convincingly and endearingly. Memarzia adds a surreal tone to several moments during the production that allows the company to explore a range of vocal and physical styles: and they rise to the challenge admirably - for example as a bizarre row of brightly-coloured, talking, dancing flowers.

Building on the success of last year's wonderful Arabian Nights, CTC gives another magical and transporting production, displaying the stylistic inventiveness that is becoming expected from this company - The Snow Queen promises 11 nights of enchanting storytelling and entertainment.