“…they always ask how it feels to fly, I think that is everyone’s dream”…The QR talks with Óscar Fonseca and Stanley Williams, Snowman and Boy in Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s The Snowman at Sadler’s Wells theatre, this Christmas!
Since 1683, audiences have been streaming to Richard Sadler’s Wells, first for the healing waters, but forever after for the rich entertainments on offer there. Long before Lilian Baylis resurrected the fourth iteration of Sadler’s Wells theatres to occupy the site in 1925, prior incarnations had held no less a personage than The Bard, William Shakespeare himself. Along with Ninette de Valois, she would found a ballet school, and steer the Sadler’s Wells stage dance-wards. This year, born from the pen of Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson, The Snowman takes the stage to entertain all the family, thanks to Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Directed by Bill Alexander, and choreographed by Robert North to Howard Blake’s iconic score, it opens December 8th! Stars of the show, Óscar Fonseca and Stanley Williams, Snowman and Boy respectively, were kind enough to talk to The QR about the show…
Óscar & Stanley, could you tell me a little about yourselves, and what adventures have led you to your roles this year?
Óscar: I’m a pastry chef/musical theatre performer, I was born in Switzerland but I’m half Portuguese half Angolan. I’ve been in the UK for 10 years now, I moved here to study at Le Cordon Blue. I then auditioned for the Urdang Academy and did a foundation course and a 3 year diploma.
With luck and never giving up I’ve been working around the world and in the UK. This year I was blessed with the opportunity to play the iconic role of the Snowman at Peacock Theatre.
Stanley: My name is Stanley and I’m 9 years old, I started dancing when I was 2 years old and have been dancing ever since. I go to Send Primary School and also enjoy playing Rugby and Scouts (Cubs). I first saw the Snowman when my mum and dad took me at the age of 2 1/2 years. I remember seeing the Boy fly with the snowman and I wished I could fly like that.
From the perspective of a younger generation, Stanley, what is your reaction to the Snowman story? Does it still have magic would you say?
Stanley: Yes, it is really magical and makes you feel very Christmassy. There are lots of surprises in the show, like when Father Christmas appears and the ballerina jack in the box. The best part is when we fly with the Snowman, the music is amazing and the audience always clap at this point. It’s amazing to see and very exciting too.
How challenging is it to perform in the snowman costume? Have you had any adventures/misadventures in costumed dance?
Óscar: The costume is quite heavy and very hot, it took me some time to get accustomed to it. It’s quite cosy if I’m not moving in it! The most challenging part is the partner work with the Ice Princess but I’m enjoying every minute of it.
From your first encounters with the production, till now, is the production what you expected, and has it surprised you in any way?
Óscar: It’s been a great experience so far, it’s my first time in the West End and I couldn’t be happier with the production that I am in.
Stanley: It is even better than I expected. Everyone is so nice and really helpful. I didn’t realise how clever all the changes are in the production, backstage is very exciting, seeing how everything works and the secrets to making the show work. It’s brilliant!
Stanley, do you find any particular thrill from dancing during December and to Christmas-minded audiences?
Stanley: I love seeing the audiences faces and performing in the theatre. It is very exciting before the show begins hearing the audience and orchestra and having the chance to dance in the show during Christmas is amazing. I love it and would like to do it all the time!
Óscar, do you have any favourite moments during the performance?
Óscar: When all the characters introduce themselves in Act 2 and we dance the ball all together, it’s such a fun and great scene for me.
What do Raymond Briggs’ iconic tales and illustrations mean to you both? How do you feel they figure in the show?
Óscar: I was born in a different country and my upbringing was a mix between Switzerland and Portugal. Unfortunately, The Snowman wasn’t part of my childhood so the first time I heard about it was when I auditioned for the show, but after watching the movie and performing the show itself it’s a story full of magic and I’m super happy to be a part of it.
Stanley: I have read the story many times and have seen the film too. The story is such a magical journey and I think it makes you want to explore and discover things when you’re a child. I think the show brings all of that to life and takes the audience on that magical journey. Everyone is happy and excited when they leave the theatre.
What would you both hope the audience is thinking of or speaking about when they leave the theatre?
Óscar: To be honest I hope they have one moment in the show that stayed in their memories, the Snowman or Santa or the reindeers or the giant fruit or the various snowmen. For me it doesn’t matter which part, because everything is so magical that I wish the audience is able to enter the world of the Snowman and leaves with a big smile of their faces.
Stanley: I hope the audience is happy and feels Christmassy. At stage door I have spoken to some of the audience and they always ask how it feels to fly, I think that is everyone’s dream. To be able to fly is like magic!
Christmas Theatre 2022 will be one of the most crucial festive seasons in stage history. TheQR is talking to as many of those making theatre in the UK this year as possible, to play a small part in raising their profile, and opportunities for a successful run. Though many of us face a tough winter, financially speaking, a magical night of theatre offers a (warm) escape for a few hours, and if you have the expendable income available will help support the livelihoods of those who keep that magic alive.
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