Dance Review: Imperial Ice Stars

Published on Wednesday 21 January 2009 18:46

THE IMPERIAL ICE STARS: CINDERELLA **** PLAYHOUSE, EDINBURGH

WATCHING ice-skating can be a stressful affair. Each time those blades leave the ice, it's heart-in- the-mouth time until they execute a safe landing. As Cinderella progresses, however, you learn to disregard the perils and settle into life on ice, thanks in no small part to the incredible performers of Russia's Imperial Ice Stars, who make highly complex moves look as effortless as breathing.

Gliding gracefully across the ice, the men are deceptively strong, holding female skaters high above their heads – sometimes with one hand – as they spin. For their part, the women know no fear as they're thrown from one man to another, or traverse the ice wearing a single skate during the search for Cinderella.

Having been turned down by the Prokofiev estate to use his score, artistic director Tony Mercer was forced to commission something new. Which appears to have been a blessing in disguise, as Tim Duncan and Edward Barnwell's score evokes a real sense of drama and romance. It also gives the show a modern feel, making the love between Cinderella and the Lord Mayor's son (Mercer's version of the Prince) far more believable and at times genuinely touching.

Special effects such as falling rain, jets of fire and a beautifully lit carriage give Cinderella the 'ooh' factor. Ultimately, though, it is the ability of the performers that steals the show.