Hot Ice: Passion (Pleasure Beach Arena)

As the lights go down on the start of yet another spectacular Hot Ice, an atmospheric voice-over tells us among other things to prepare for a performance of magic and illusion. And that’s just what you get, and then some!

Passion is the theme of this year’s show and it’s very clear that the performers and choreographers have it in abundance. This is dancing at its most breathtaking, where music matches moves with every note and the skaters are at one with the ice.

This is two hours of imaginative colour, energy, grace, feats of strength and dazzling costumes. As if to echo the skating itself, everything flows beautifully, even when the mood changes from relaxing lullaby, to rock, and romance, it’s almost effortless. The costume changes are fast and slick (I counted nine in the first half alone).

Props complement rather than dominate – look out for giant flags, jungle drums and ribbons that help these performers to fly. These guys quite literally set the ice on fire at one point. Heck, they even make it snow!

And be prepared for a showstopper of a routine where the skates are shed in favour of a bathtub. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this is grace personified and quite unlike anything you will have seen before.

As you’d expect the loudest cheers are saved for the spectacular spins, jumps and even a somersault or two from the solo skaters. Although these tricks are perfectly executed and more than deserving of the applause, for me personally it’s the routines featuring the whole of the cast that have me on the edge of my seat.

There’s something mesmerising about the way they cover every inch of the ice, moving effortlessly around each other at break neck speed, whether it’s in perfect synchronicity or impeccably timed sequence.

The grand finale is a rousing version of "Joy To The World", very apt considering the second half tales the audience on something of an international tour. Cleverly, the approach is more of a subtle nod to a particular culture rather than the obvious – from a French showground to darkest Transylvannia, with tribal elements, Mexican salsa, Cuban mambo and a taste of Latin American all making an appearance.

Hats off to Amanda Thompson and her immensely talented team. I’ve reviewed more than my fair share of Hot Ice shows and 20 years later they still fill me with awe.

If you have never had the pleasure, and even if you have and think you’ve already seen all there is to see, grab yourself a ticket, you won’t be disappointed.

Hot Ice: Passion continues at the Pleasure Beach Arena, Blackpool until 6 September, 2014