Calico first presented The Snow Queen in 1997 at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre. Described by newspaper reviewers as “pure magic” and “a visual stunner”, the show was a sell-out success. The professionally designed costumes, props and scenery from that production are now available to schools and theatre venues, along with the script, music and support from professional theatre director Jenny Wake.

About the play

The Snow Queen is based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s best-loved fairy tales. When Kay is stolen away by the Snow Queen, his best friend Gerda sets out on a perilous journey to the North Pole, determined to bring him home.

Along the way she encounters a wicked band of grubby robbers, a garden of enchanted flowers, a prince and princess, their elegantly snobby courtiers, a feisty reindeer, some wise-cracking crows, a mysterious Arctic woman, an army of fierce snow warriors and, of course, the ice-cold Snow Queen.

The Snow Queen is about a young girl’s quest to rescue her friend. It is also about the strength we each have inside us — the kind of courage we may not discover until we are most afraid. Above all, it is about the power of true friendship.