The Snowman Chills Out Before Taking To The Opera House Stage

He may have a busy seasonal snap ahead of him, but The Snowman still found time to drop in to the city's Chill Factore ahead of his opening night at Opera House Manchester.

And he made sure he topped up his icy layers in preparation for a cool afternoon in the Snow Park at the leading visitor attraction, which boasts the UK's longest indoor real snow slope.

Surprised visitors might have spotted The Snowman and his fellow castmates Reindeer and Penguin hitting some high speeds on his sledge, rocketing down the Luge Slip 'n' Slide, and enjoying a snowball fight.

The Snowman, which runs at Opera House Manchester until Sunday 12 November, promises to delight young and old alike with its wonderful mix of storytelling, spectacle and magic.

The enchanting show, based on the 1978 book by Raymond Briggs, tells the story of a young boy's adventures when his snowman comes miraculously to life on Christmas Eve.

Featuring a dazzling array of colourful characters including dancing penguins, magical reindeer, a beautiful Snow Princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost and, of course, Father Christmas himself, The Snowman is a Christmas treat for all the family and a perfect introduction to theatre and dance for the very young.

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production features music and lyrics by Howard Blake (performed by a live orchestra), choreography by Robert North, direction by Bill Alexander, design by Ruari Murchison, and lighting by Tim Mitchell.

The show features a recording of the iconic song Walking in the Air in a new arrangement by Howard Blake and sung by Aled Jones duetting with his younger (recorded) self, as released on Aled's chart topping Classic FM album, One Voice at Christmas.

Morwenna Angove, CEO of Chill Factore, said: "It was a real treat to host a visit from none other than The Snowman himself who came to check on preparations for Santa's arrival at Chill Factore ahead of our Grotto opening this weekend. The sub-zero temperature felt just like home to him, and we were thrilled that he took the opportunity to cool off on our slope during his trip to Manchester."

The Snowman is presented by arrangement with Snowman Enterprises Limited (A Penguin Company) and Chester Music Limited.

Book now at www.atgtickets.com/Manchester or by calling the box office on 0844 871 3018.