While I was growing up, watching The Snowman cartoon on Channel 4 was an annual Christmas tradition that was just as important as eating a turkey dinner or pulling a cracker.

Even as I approach my mid-twenties, the festive period would not be the same without instantly welling up after hearing the first few notes of Walking In The Air being played on the piano, and so I was filled with joy at the thought of seeing dance company Sadler’s Wells’ production of the classic winter tale at The Peacock Theatre, in Holborn.

Based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs and featuring a stunning score by Howard Blake, the show, which has been running for 19 consecutive years with Sadler’s Wells, was filled with spectacular visuals and dance routines that delighted audience members of all ages and even left many adults cheering louder than the children.

As the cartoon version only lasts half an hour and has no dialogue, I was intrigued to see how director Bill Alexander planned to fill a two hour show, but was not disappointed by the array of energetic dance numbers that did not result in the show dragging on too long.

The original story is left unchanged. One morning, a young Boy, played by Cameron James Sutherland, wakes up and excitedly builds himself a Snowman, who is portrayed by James Leece.

Later that night, the Snowman comes to life and they both travel through the night sky and over the seas and mountains, until they eventually reach the North Pole and join a Christmas party that is attended by a ballet-dancing Snow Princess, played by Tomoyo Tanimoto Jequier, and a rather skinny Father Christmas, who is played by Federico Casadel.

Suddenly Jack Frost interrupts, who is portrayed by Domenico Ramelli and tries to kidnap the Princess, but the Snowman and the Boy work together to defeat him.

Humour was prevalent throughout the show, particularly the end scene where the Snowman melted after they both returned home, as Martin Fenton slowly wilted to the floor and then comically rolled away in a bid to quickly leave the stage.

The laughter from the audience soon stopped however, as the Boy woke up the next morning and realised his short-lived friendship with his beloved Snowman was over forever. Even if you knew how the story ended, it was still painful to watch the Boy mourn his loss, but we were luckily left with a glimmer of hope as he then looked into the sky and saw that a fresh snowfall was on its way.

Regardless of whether you have been a fan of The Snowman your whole life or want to introduce your children to the magical story for the first time, the dance show is a fun Christmas treat that should not be missed.

Star-rating: *****

The Snowman, Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT, until Sunday January 1, 11am, 2.30pm or 7pm, details: 020 78638222, peacocktheatre.com