REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
The Snow Queen
A Brand New Musical Family Adventure
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
13th-28th December 2025
Click here for tickets
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
The Snow Queen
A Brand New Musical Family Adventure
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
13th-28th December 2025
Click here for tickets
A new take on a famous fairy tale
The Wind Song Theatre’s version of the well- known Hans Christian Andersen story of The Snow Queen is delightful. The original tale was a bit bleak, as it focused on sadness, and abandonment. However, this modern take on the tale is uplifting, with the addition of original music and song by local composer Ashton More and Lily Streames. It is an entrancing morality tale of good vs evil, bravery and love.
It is Christmas Eve and Kai (Harry Chamberlain) is captured by the wicked Snow Queen as a smashed mirror has pierced his heart. Harry has a very good singing voice and it is a shame that he does not have more numbers. Of course, the Snow Queen is not really wicked, but her heart has turned to ice as she lost a child. Realising he has been taken, Gerda, an exuberant portrayal by Lily Streames, sets out to find him. On the way, she runs into all kinds of weird creatures. A talking flower band wants her to join them as their singer. One of them, a real kick ass heavy rocker stinging nettle, played with glee by Loren O’Dair who is also the Snow Queen. I particularly liked the East End Crow (Benjamin Victor) who spoke in cockney rhyming slang. He shows Gerda the way to find Kai, but on the way, she is captured by some rough Tree Guards who tie her up. However, when she escapes they turn into glam rockers.
All the characters in the play, apart from Gerda are doubled up by the small cast of five. There were continual magical musical numbers across the way that reinforced the story. The Lead Me There number was particularly effective.
Of course, it all ends happily; Gerda saves Kai, who has been made to forget his friend. Their love unfreezes the Snow Queen’s heart.
The story telling is clear and easy to follow. The song numbers are well choreographed and full of energy under the direction of Rebecca Ward, who is also co-producer.
The staging is simple, but there are some spectacular lighting and sound effects, by John Blows and Robert Gulston. The snow freezing over and the crackling of the ice breaking in the Queen’s heart are most effective and quite stunning. There is even as their song deemed it, the Aurora Bore-bloomin’ – alis.
This musical adventure is a very energetic production driven along by Lily Streames as co-producer, story adaptor, singer and lyric writer. The small cast dance and sing their hearts out, each developing different characters. Who knew they were good at Karate in fairy tales?
This is a very slick, child-centred, modern take on the famous fairy tale for everyone to enjoy at Christmas.
Review Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
It is Christmas Eve and Kai (Harry Chamberlain) is captured by the wicked Snow Queen as a smashed mirror has pierced his heart. Harry has a very good singing voice and it is a shame that he does not have more numbers. Of course, the Snow Queen is not really wicked, but her heart has turned to ice as she lost a child. Realising he has been taken, Gerda, an exuberant portrayal by Lily Streames, sets out to find him. On the way, she runs into all kinds of weird creatures. A talking flower band wants her to join them as their singer. One of them, a real kick ass heavy rocker stinging nettle, played with glee by Loren O’Dair who is also the Snow Queen. I particularly liked the East End Crow (Benjamin Victor) who spoke in cockney rhyming slang. He shows Gerda the way to find Kai, but on the way, she is captured by some rough Tree Guards who tie her up. However, when she escapes they turn into glam rockers.
All the characters in the play, apart from Gerda are doubled up by the small cast of five. There were continual magical musical numbers across the way that reinforced the story. The Lead Me There number was particularly effective.
Of course, it all ends happily; Gerda saves Kai, who has been made to forget his friend. Their love unfreezes the Snow Queen’s heart.
The story telling is clear and easy to follow. The song numbers are well choreographed and full of energy under the direction of Rebecca Ward, who is also co-producer.
The staging is simple, but there are some spectacular lighting and sound effects, by John Blows and Robert Gulston. The snow freezing over and the crackling of the ice breaking in the Queen’s heart are most effective and quite stunning. There is even as their song deemed it, the Aurora Bore-bloomin’ – alis.
This musical adventure is a very energetic production driven along by Lily Streames as co-producer, story adaptor, singer and lyric writer. The small cast dance and sing their hearts out, each developing different characters. Who knew they were good at Karate in fairy tales?
This is a very slick, child-centred, modern take on the famous fairy tale for everyone to enjoy at Christmas.
Review Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
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Photos: (c)KimTobinPhotography
Wind Song Theatre today confirm the casting for the Palace Theatre’s Christmas production of The Snow Queen.
Taking the role of the Snow Queen is Loren O’Dair and playing the heroine Gerda is Lily Streames, Wind Song’s co-founder. Making up the rest of the company are Benjamin Victor, Harry Chamberlain and Roseanna Connolly
Taking the role of the Snow Queen is Loren O’Dair and playing the heroine Gerda is Lily Streames, Wind Song’s co-founder. Making up the rest of the company are Benjamin Victor, Harry Chamberlain and Roseanna Connolly
Essex born and bred Lily Streames (Gerda) is returning to her roots with The Snow Queen. As a former member of the Palace Youth Theatre. “Stepping onto the stage at the Palace Theatre once more feels like a true full circle moment,” she says.
Lily is not only performing but also wrote this magical adaptation of The Snow Queen. Currently working on a feature film, Lily has a lot of experience in film and theatre, winning a Best Actress at San Francisco Festival.
Loren O’Dair (The Snow Queen) trained at Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris and has appeared in theatre across the county and around the world and appeared on the big screen.
Roseanna Connolly (Lady Lavender/Mum) is another Essex born British/Irish actor. She is also a writer, director and stand-up comedian.
Benjamin Victor (Crow/Grandad/Bandit) is an actor and film-maker who has recently worked in a variety of projects for Netflix, BBC and Amazon Prime and in live theatre.
Having just graduated from Guildford School of Acting, Harry Chamberlain is beginning his professional career playing Kai in The Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen opens on Saturday 13 December and runs until Sunday 28 December. Wind Song have re-imagined the classic story, bringing it magically to life as the adventure leads Gerda on an exciting journey through a land full of mystery, winter magic and snow. From the moment the audience steps into the auditorium, Wind Song promises to create a sense of wonder and delight, making The Snow Queen the perfect treat for Christmas.
Featuring a beautiful and uplifting original score and songs, the show is a lovely family show suitable for children aged from 6 to 106. Wind Song Theatre brings stories to life for children and families. The company is recognised for creating fun and engaging performances using original music and innovative design.
Tickets for The Snow Queen are on sale now and can be purchased online at palacetheatresouthend.co.uk or by calling 0343 310 0030.
Lily is not only performing but also wrote this magical adaptation of The Snow Queen. Currently working on a feature film, Lily has a lot of experience in film and theatre, winning a Best Actress at San Francisco Festival.
Loren O’Dair (The Snow Queen) trained at Ecole Jacques Lecoq in Paris and has appeared in theatre across the county and around the world and appeared on the big screen.
Roseanna Connolly (Lady Lavender/Mum) is another Essex born British/Irish actor. She is also a writer, director and stand-up comedian.
Benjamin Victor (Crow/Grandad/Bandit) is an actor and film-maker who has recently worked in a variety of projects for Netflix, BBC and Amazon Prime and in live theatre.
Having just graduated from Guildford School of Acting, Harry Chamberlain is beginning his professional career playing Kai in The Snow Queen.
The Snow Queen opens on Saturday 13 December and runs until Sunday 28 December. Wind Song have re-imagined the classic story, bringing it magically to life as the adventure leads Gerda on an exciting journey through a land full of mystery, winter magic and snow. From the moment the audience steps into the auditorium, Wind Song promises to create a sense of wonder and delight, making The Snow Queen the perfect treat for Christmas.
Featuring a beautiful and uplifting original score and songs, the show is a lovely family show suitable for children aged from 6 to 106. Wind Song Theatre brings stories to life for children and families. The company is recognised for creating fun and engaging performances using original music and innovative design.
Tickets for The Snow Queen are on sale now and can be purchased online at palacetheatresouthend.co.uk or by calling 0343 310 0030.
Photos: (c)KimTobinPhotography
The Show continues:-
Runtime: Approx 1 hour 20 minutes including interval.
School Bookings & Youth / Uniformed Groups School rates are available on the following performances at £16 a ticket, please ring 0343 310 0030 to book. Tue 16 Dec 1:30pm Wed 17 Dec 1:30pm & 7pm Thu 18 Dec 1:30pm
Box Office 0343 310 0030
£15.00 - 28.00
Sat 20 Dec 2025
02:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sat 20 Dec 2025
07:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sun 21 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sun 21 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Mon 22 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Mon 22 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Tue 23 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Tue 23 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Wed 24 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Fri 26 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sat 27 Dec 2025
02:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sat 27 Dec 2025
07:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sun 28 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sun 28 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
Runtime: Approx 1 hour 20 minutes including interval.
School Bookings & Youth / Uniformed Groups School rates are available on the following performances at £16 a ticket, please ring 0343 310 0030 to book. Tue 16 Dec 1:30pm Wed 17 Dec 1:30pm & 7pm Thu 18 Dec 1:30pm
Box Office 0343 310 0030
£15.00 - 28.00
Sat 20 Dec 2025
02:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sat 20 Dec 2025
07:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sun 21 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Sun 21 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Mon 22 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Mon 22 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Tue 23 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Tue 23 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£15.00 - 28.00
Wed 24 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Fri 26 Dec 2025
05:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sat 27 Dec 2025
02:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sat 27 Dec 2025
07:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sun 28 Dec 2025
01:00 PM
£19.00 - 25.00
Sun 28 Dec 2025
05:00 PM