Cinderella On Ice

The world-famous Imperial Ice Stars, who have won international critical acclaim and five-star reviews with their previous tours of The Sleeping Beauty on Ice and Swan Lake on Ice, are set to thrill UK audiences once more with their brand new production, Cinderella On Ice, commencing a national UK tour in October 2008 including a Christmas season at Wales Millennium Centre.

Cinderella On Ice had its world premiere in New Zealand in July 2008 and is currently touring the capital cities of Australia, garnering outstanding reviews across-the-board. Cinderella On Ice is expected to play to over one million people over the next two years across 22 countries.

So far more than two million people across five continents have greeted The Imperial Ice Stars’ adrenaline infused performances with standing ovations. The Imperial Ice Stars have performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, from Sadler’s Wells in London’s West End to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, and from Montreal’s Place des Arts to Moscow’s Red Square.

The Imperial Ice Stars specialise in performing theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre. Synonymous with innovation in the skating world, The Imperial Ice Stars are renowned for their daring on the ice and unique style of story-telling.

Cinderella On Ice, their third production, continues to break new ground in the genre of ice dancing. Stunning skating feats, some only seen in Olympic arenas and some never attempted before, are performed within the confines of a frozen theatre stage, including breathtaking high speed throws and incredible lifts and lift sequences.

Producer James Cundall, Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, explains “By giving these exceptionally talented skaters the freedom to experiment outside competitive skating, while working alongside some of the top figure skating coaches in the world, we are able to take ice choreography to new limits.”

Cinderella On Ice has been conceived and choreographed by Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice, together with the highly respected ice coach Evgeny Platov, dual Olympic gold medallist and four time World Champion, and last year’s ice dancing World Champions Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski, who also took the title in 2006.

The 25-strong cast of Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters comprise the cream of Russian skating talent. The majority of the skaters have been trained by Russia’s leading coaches, some from as early as two years of age, and between them they have won more than 250 competition medals.

In addition, the producers of Cinderella On Ice have engaged some of the best creative talents available. The production boasts one of the most expensive sets ever created for a theatrical ice show, anywhere in the world, from one of Australia’s top scenic designers, Eamon D’Arcy. It incorporates stunning three-dimensional scenery depicting a Siberian village square and a black and silver art deco theatre, magical special effects, including fire and rain; flying and state of the art projection.

There are 77 opulent costumes from Albina Gabueva, head designer at Moscow’s famed Stanislavsky Theatre, each of which are individual designs, made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet’s costume cutters. Ten of the costumes cost more than £4000 each with their luxurious fabric and fine detailing.

In this new interpretation of a classic tale, The Imperial Ice Stars tell the story of Cinderella, a humble chorus dancer who is thrust into the spotlight as a prima ballerina and captivates the handsome Lord Mayor’s son, the most eligible bachelor in town, with her graceful performance. Despite rival attempts by her stepsisters to steal his heart, the kindly Watchmakers and Gypsy Fortune Teller ensure that true love triumphs.

Artistic Director Tony Mercer says “The ‘Cinderella’ story has been told in many different cultures over many centuries. I wanted to give our version a new setting while retaining the ingredients and emotions of this timeless story.”

Visit imperialicestars.com for further information about the company.

Cinderella On Ice – UK Tour Dates

Tue 28 Oct – Sat 1 Nov, Sunderland Empire
Tue 4 – Sat 8 Nov, Belfast Opera House
Tue 11 – Sat 15 Nov, Norwich Theatre Royal
Wed 17 Dec – Sun 4 Jan, Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
Tue 20 – Sat 24 Jan, Edinburgh Playhouse
Tue 27 – Sat 31 Jan, The Swan, High Wycombe
Tue 3 – Sat 7 Feb, Milton Keynes Theatre
Tue 10 – Sat 14 Feb, New Victoria, Woking
Tue 17 – Sat 21 Feb, Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
Tue 24 – Sat 28 Feb, Manchester Opera House
Tue 3 – Sat 7 March, Liverpool Empire
Tue 17 – Sat 21 March, Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Tue 24 – Sat 28 March, Regents Theatre, Stoke on Trent
Tue 31 March – Sat 4 April, Derngate, Northampton
Tue 7 – Sat 11 April, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Tue 28 April – Sat 2 May, Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells
Tue 5 – Sat 9 May, Bradford Alhambra
Tue 12 – Sat 16 May, Churchill, Bromley
Tue 19 – Sat 23 May, Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
Tue 9 – Sat 13 June, Theatre Royal, Glasgow