The Tabard's Snow Queen Makes for an Engaging Christmas Show

Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale appeals to all ages


Freya Compton as the Snow Queen Picture: Charlie Flint

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December 8, 2024

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale ‘The Snow Queen’ is a memorable drama of good versus evil that weaves supernatural mists and magical moments together, offering up an engaging Christmas show of which the Danish storyteller undoubtedly would have approved .

My eleven-year-old grandson and I were absorbed by the story: Gerda, a child, determinedly sets out to find her friend Kai. He had suddenly vanished into the mists after he was assaulted by glass shards from the Snow Queen’s shattered mirror. The fragments of glass had obliterated his cheerful personality. He turned against Gerda and his grandmother because the evil, beautiful Snow Queen had lured him to her castle in the mountains.

Gerda sets out on a long bitterly cold journey to find Kai. She meets a range of supportive and a few malevolent creatures. However, Gerda is brave, loyal and kind. Most of all determined. However, her antagonist, the icy Snow Queen, is a powerful cruel force of evil and is out to destroy Gerda.

Alyssa aged 12 wrote, ”I thought the show was truly remarkable. The storyline was amazing and I loved all the many different characters. My favourite was definitely Bae the reindeer, who was adorable and a good friend."

Alex age 11 wrote, “Mysterious, cold opening to the play. The five actors played many roles but the Grandmother (Maeve Elmore) appealed to me the most as she was funny. She reminded me of Professor Sybill Trelawney (Harry Potter). I’d like to see it again.”

Rosie Kahlon’s charismatic performance as Gerda is charming as she exudes goodness and love that will eventually overcome evil. Cameron Chalmers plays Kai and a prince as well as a robber with conviction and wit.

Rosie Kahlon as Gerda and Caitlin Wood as The Witch. Picture: Charlie Flint
Rosie Kahlon as Gerda and Caitlin Wood as The Witch. Picture: Charlie Flint

Maeve Elmore, a versatile actor, morphs seamlessly from a wise and witty grandmother to a frustrated guard, to robber girl and finally the energetic, very green, Lapland woman. And Freya Crompton sustained her evil role as the Snow Queen with frosty dignity and, yet, was not too scary for younger members of the audience.


Maeve Elmore as Grandma. Picture: Charlie Flint

Caitlin Wood, actor and puppeteer is completely at one with both the crow and Bai the sweetest reindeer. Both puppets were made by Jen Marcus. Alice McNicholas’s imaginative costumes added a timeless aura to the story. Do notice the shoes!

Caitlin Wood puppetering Bae and Rosie Kahlon as Gerda
Caitlin Wood puppetering Bae and Rosie Kahlon as Gerda. Picture: Charlie Flint

The design of the set, lighting and the sound by Rob Miles, Nat Green and Nick Gilbert added oodles of “je ne sais quoi” to Simon Reilly’s captivating and intriguing production.

Louise Haddington’s fluid script is spot on and reflects her skill at adapting children’s traditional story books into heartwarming dramas.

A super-duper Christmas show for a family aged between 6 - 60 plus years. Possibly a tad too long but my grandson disagreed with me he didn’t want it to end and, furthermore, would like to return before it finishes on Saturday 4 January, 2025.

Susan Stanley-Carroll supported by Alyssa and Alex

Book tickets here

Coming up at the Tabard

Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).

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