Scottish Ballet’s production of The Snow Queen has returned to Edinburgh three years after it premiered to sprinkle icy festivities over the city once more.

In Christopher Hampson’s ballet, Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairytale has been slightly adapted and tweaked to give its eponymous villain a sympathetic backstory in the form of a sister, the Summer Princess. When the Princess sees herself in a magic mirror embracing a handsome stranger, she decides to leave and find him at once. The Queen is angry and sets out to bring her sister back. The Princess, now disguised as a pickpocket named Lexi, sees her mystery man, Kai, proposing to his love, Gerda. From there, the story follows the familiar beats of the original, with Lexi’s addition contributing to a suitably magical happy ending – for Kai and Gerda, anyway. 

Hampson’s choreography is beautiful and effortlessly matched to the score, compiled of various Rimsky-Korsakov classics, flawlessly played by the Orchestra of Scottish Ballet under Jean-Claude Picard’s baton – Kai’s (Jerome Barnes) frantic, swirling dance when the ice shard enters his eye is perfectly paired with ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’, and Act 2 opens with a bang with onstage violinist Gillian Rissi playing the ‘Capriccio Espagnol’ in the Traveller Camp, while her comrades whirl, stamp and clap around her. 

Lez Brotherson’s designs are incredibly effective. Constance Devernay-Laurence’s Snow Queen sparkles in icy whites and silvers, with the mirrors and shards of her imposing Ice Palace creating a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere as snowflakes, Jack Frosts and sinister, sinuous wolves fill the stage. This is juxtaposed with the warmth and bustle of the Traveller Camp, all rich colours, camaraderie and thigh-slaps. The circus scene is a particular joy, with clowns, acrobats and a tattooed strongman bringing a bright, vibrant glow to the wintery marketplace.

The Snow Queen is a festive treat for audiences this winter. You’ll be swept away by the magic and warmth of this beautiful production, Besties! 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Lorna Murray

Scottish Ballet’s The Snow Queen plays at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until 10 December before touring until February 2023. For more information, please click here.