The Snow Queen
- Paul Mackenzie
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Laura Lindow
Dukes Lancaster production
Dukes, Lancaster
November 21-December 31, 2025: 2hrs
Preview shows are odd things that don’t always give a true reflection of the end product – rather like a pre-season friendly doesn’t give away everything about a football team’s prospects for the months ahead.
So it is to be hoped that this preview night of The Snow Queen is not the blueprint for what is to come at the Dukes this Christmas. Though there are flashes of the wit, warmth and joy the Dukes is well known for, it all just fell a bit flat on the night...
There is much to build on, though. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the ice-hearted child snatcher is a long-established family-show favourite, and It has all the ingredients of the hit it has been on previous Dukes appearances - namely a chilling baddie, the drama of our brave hero’s quest and, of course, the heartwarming happy ending.
These festive shows used to be performed in the more intimate Dukes space in the round, ensuring everyone was close to the action and felt a part of the laughter, songs and silliness. They are now shown in the main auditorium and when it’s only around a quarter full, it lacks the atmosphere this kind of show thrives on. But we were there with more than a week of November left – even before Lancaster’s festive lights had been switched on – so it was early for a Christmas performance. Some shows later in the run are already sold out, so hopefully the atmosphere will warm up considerably.
Last year’s festive production of The Borrowers received criticism from some quarters for being over-wordy and lacking a sense of peril, and this adaptation by Laura Lindow, directed by Dukes chief executive Chris Lawson, could face the same charges.
Things do pick up a little after the interval, but it is currently rather one-paced: the songs are all quite "samey", and Tori Burgess as the Snow Queen doesn't exude sufficient sinister chill.
Dukes regular Gareth Cassidy rarely disappoints and his performance lifted proceedings here. His scene as Ninny the rose is a stand-out moment – but there aren’t enough of these moments in a show short on energy and tension.
Amy Tara does a valiant job as Gerda, the hero, on a mission to rescue her friend Kai (Harri Pitches) from the Snow Queen’s icy palace.
Meanwhile, back in the village of Stifle, Elsie Orr (Vicky Brazier) enforces the rules she has made up with no sense of consequences for transgressors, and busybody Mr Kelpine (William Travis) shouts about the weather.
There’s also a peculiar scene with some sea slugs who help Gerda, make some fart jokes and sing a song. They were met with bemusement by the people, young and old, sitting near me.
But all of this could land very differently with a full house, nearer Christmas. Even on a quiet night there were elements to admire, particularly Rachel Walton-Daniels’ design. The set ia simple but effective; some of the costumes – particularly Ninny and the reindeer – are a delight, and projections are used sparingly enough to have an impact.
The show runs until New Year’s Eve and hopefully, once the six cast members have hit their stride and can feed off some energy in the room, it will be a winner.
More info and tickets here
