By Hilary Porter

IT is 20 years since Raymond Brigg's beautiful picture book The Snowman was brought to life on stage but audiences still warm to this charming show.

The Mayflower stage has been transformed into a giant dome shaped snow globe as we are transported to a winter wonderland far removed from the dismal rain outside.

Just like the book, published back in 1978, not a single word is spoken and yet the show triumphantly engages everyone aged two to 102 with its combination of dance, mime and Howard Blake's uplifting musical score.

The beautiful costumes and sets also stay true to the original book bringing a sense of familiarity as well as nostalgia to the show.

The story is simple but magical as we follow the young boy’s adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve.

In sharp contrast to the dull existence of his parents whose daily life seems limited to the father smoking a pipe and reading the paper and the mother doing the ironing ( never getting out of her pinny!) the boy's world is filled with wonder and excitement.

And it is the sheer joy of childhood and childhood fun and friendship that sits at the heart of this show.

Filled with both gentle comedy and pathos the story takes us from the snowman going indoors to meet the cat, watch TV, dance with giant fruit, cool down by the freezer, dress up and play with toys.

Then in the second half the show literally hits new heights as the Snowman and boy take flight outdoors to the unforgettable Walking in the Air ( a UK chart success for choirboy Aled Jones in 1985).

Cameron Sutherland - a Junior Associate at The Royal Ballet School - gave a flawless performance as The Boy, timing his highly choreographed moves to perfection.

In fact, it is an all-round excellent cast boasting the talents of James Leece as The Snowman and Domenico Ramelli as Jack Frost.

The second half was like an injection of pure happiness as we visit a colourful, enchanting world of snowmen and snow women, dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful snow princess and her abominable beau Jack Frost and Father Christmas himself.

The live orchestra and wonderful dance will delight any child and adult alike who has enjoyed the book or the BAFTA award-winning animated film.

It is simply a magical, heart-warming show.

The Snowman runs at The Mayflower until Sunday January 17.

Tickets are available from Mayflower Theatre Box Office tel: 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk. Ovation Restaurant bookings: 02380 711833