Review- Finding Nemo On Ice
Date Reviewed: 16th October, 2008
Venue: Manchester Evening News Arena
As soon as you arrive at the M.E.N to see this Disney extravaganza, prepare for merchandise overload. The only thing you are not able to buy is fish and chips, for obvious reasons, but otherwise; anything goes in the house of mouse.
Likewise, the show itself is designed to dazzle you to such an extent, that you end up loving the lost clownfish so much, that you purchase everything ranging from slush puppies, popcorn and cuddly toys. This isn’t to say the show is just about plugging products, but it does lack the heart that the movie itself contains.
The story is exactly the same, clown fish Nemo goes missing and his dad Marlin searches in vain, with help from sidekick, Dory. Cue some amazing set pieces, including a giant turtle, dancing jellyfish, an enormous whale and break-dancing baby sea turtles.
Ironically, the show hits the heights when it does not slavishly follow the book of the film. But, unfortunately it does this too rarely, spelling out the plot by pumping the soundtrack, including dialogue into the arena. The problem is that you can hardly hear this effect, rendering it almost redundant.
This visually spectacular show would be far more memorable, if the narrative was conveyed via movement alone, ala Slava’s Snowshow.
All is not lost at sea though, as there are some great costumes, lively scenes involving audience participation and breathtaking skating by the talented and energetic cast.
My companion, five year old Ella Walsh loved the song and dance scenes and formation skating. In between the sugary sections, these elements do take your breath away.
It’s just a shame that, like Julie Taymor’s The Lion King, once you get over the initial wow factor, this fishy tale has nowhere to go, but down. It swims more than it sinks, but with more dance and less photocopying key scenes, it could be a show to savour.
-Glenn Meads