★★★★★
Snowflake, presented by Ensemble Theatre, is an award-winning play by Mike Bartlett. Originally written in 2018, it is a complex exploration of family in the 21st century.
Snowflake follows Andy (James Lugton), who spends his time watching Spielberg and grumbling about how the younger generation is making the world worse. Part of his problem is with his estranged daughter, Maya (Claudia Elbourne), who has been spotted back in town just before Christmas.
Director Jo Bradley brought Snowflake to Australia in 2024 as an independent production, playing at the Old Fitz Theatre to glowing reviews. Snowflake is a deeply compelling character drama that seeks to mend the growing distance between older and younger generations. It does so by keeping its characters grounded and multifaceted.
Lilian Alejandra Valverde starred as Natalie in its original run. Her hilarious acting won the show a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in an Independent Production. Her 2026 return is much appreciated.
Valverde drives a lot of the humour within the play, and her acting is undeniably nuanced. The character’s over-the-top openness intentionally hides the layered reasons that bring her to Andy. Yet Valverde’s restrained performance ensures that Natalie’s ulterior motives are successfully foreshadowed with a nerve-wracking later reveal.
Maya and Andy’s relationship is the centrepiece of the production. Both characters are challenging to watch as they let their assumptions get the better of them. As Maya, Claudia Elbourne perfectly encapsulates the quiet rage that Gen Z holds. Her restrained performance captures how careful and unsure Maya is about returning.
Her performance is supported by clever costume design by Soham Apte. When Maya arrives on stage, her face is obscured by her large scarf, perfectly symbolising her unwillingness to accept any change from her father.
Lugton has an extensive history in acting in movies, TV and stage. As such, it’s no wonder he makes such a compelling Andy. Lugton draws audiences into Andy’s anger. His stuttering and constant self-interruptions capture the fragility and isolation of his character.
The explosive arguments towards the show’s end demand a lot from its actors. Andy cries upon realising the impact his behaviour has had on his daughter. Lugton captures the distress necessary to help audiences forgive him too.
Lighting design by Luna Yuet Yee Ng is the creative seasoning that a show like Snowflake needs. The flickering lights when a new character arrives are a subtle and effective way to draw tension.
Apte is also responsible for the set design, which is simple and gorgeous. The play is set inside a church, yet right at the end of the play, Andy’s initial plan for winning back his daughter is revealed.
For most of the show, the back half of the stage is obscured by curtains. After the arguing, the warm lighting and white walls of the back of the church are revealed. At the centre is the elaborate model home Andy has designed for his future with Maya.
This final reveal won’t fix everything for the trio, but it’s a sign that things might just be okay.
Despite a slow start that perhaps spends a little too much time on Andy, Snowflake is a compelling piece of theatre that feels increasingly relevant.
Snowflake is presented by Ensemble Theatre and runs to 21 November. 78 McDougall Street Kirribilli NSW 2061.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/snowflake/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ensembletheatre/
Photo credits: Prudence Upton
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