Reviews

Hot Ice (Blackpool)

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24 July 2012

This pacey skating production draws in the audience right from the beginning with a combination of artistic solo performances, perfectly matched pairs and swift group spectacles. Despite such a wealth of international skating talent and experience, including former ice champions and medallists, there are no obvious ‘big stars’ in the performance, in which all the skaters pull together to produce an outstanding team effort, whilst displaying their own talents.

Hot Ice at the Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is produced and directed by Amanda Thompson. The production has no overall narrative, but is vibrant and fast-flowing with an international theme running throughout the whole show. The choreography by Antony Johns and former cast member Oula Jaaskelainen is simply stunning. The audience, enticed by the athletic skaters, gasp in particular at the amazing backflips and clap appreciatively for elegant jumps, lifts and spins.

Impressive and colourful lighting, lasers and theatrical smoke effects provide the atmosphere for each dance. Acrobatics, fire and flags add to the performance when they appear. The lightning speed of costume changes ensures you see many flamboyant and spectacular outfits adding sparkle and colour to the show. There is a variation of music styles and tempos including rock, jazz and pop, however at times the volume proves a little overbearing.

The vibrant costumes, lighting, music and pace of the show all enhance the senses, but ultimately the skill and ability of the skaters is what will leave you wishing you could dance on ice!

– Kathryn Phillips