Imperial Ice Stars Bring CINDERELLA ON ICE To Royal Albert Hall 2/24-2/28/10

The world's leading theatrical ice skating company, the critically acclaimed Imperial Ice Stars bring their spectacular new production of Cinderella on Ice to the Royal Albert Hall in 2010. Presented by The Imperial Ice Stars and the Royal Albert Hall, this specially redesigned production will run for a limited season of 8 performances only. It is only the second time in history the arena floor of the Royal Albert Hall has been frozen with ice, and the first since the John Curry Symphony on Ice featuring the Olympic gold medallist was staged 25 years ago.

One of the most ambitious challenging ice shows ever created, Cinderella on Ice has garnered outstanding reviews during its tours of Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and will travel to Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and South Africa as part of an extensive two year world tour before arriving in London.

Nearly three million people across five continents have greeted The Imperial Ice Stars' adrenaline-infused performances with standing ovations. Over the last five years, The Imperial Ice Stars have performed at many of the world's most prestigious venues, from Sadler's Wells in London to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, from Montreal's Place des Arts to Moscow's Red Square, and will now be adding the Royal Albert Hall to the list.

Cinderella on Ice is a dramatic new interpretation of the classic tale, conceived and choreographed by award-winning ice director Tony Mercer, together with three of the world's most respected ice coaches - Evgeny Platov, dual Olympic gold medallist and four-time World Champion; and the 2006 & 2007 ice dancing World Champions Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski.

An exhilarating combination of theatre and sport, Cinderella on Ice breaks new ground in the world of ice dancing. Renowned for their daring on the ice and unique style of story-telling, the 25-strong cast of World, European and National Championship skaters will perform breathtaking skating feats, some never before attempted in competition or on an icy theatre stage.

Producer James Cundall 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."

Director of Events at the Royal Albert Hall Jasper Hope says, "Cinderella on Ice will mark the first time that the Royal Albert Hall arena has been transformed into an ice rink since John Curry's legendary performance in 1984. With the recent rise in popularity of ice dance and ice skating generally in the UK at present, we're delighted for this great opportunity to be able to remind people just how flexible a venue the Hall remains."

The show took 18 months of pre-production planning, with a brand new score specially composed for the ice dance medium. The score has been composed by Tim A Duncan and Edward Barnwell, both highly regarded contemporary composers, and recorded by the 72-piece Moscow State Cinematic Orchestra and 10 soloists from the Manchester Symphony Orchestra. At the Royal Albert Hall it will be complemented by a live 20-piece orchestra.

Performed on a specially-created stage, frozen at minus 15 degrees Celsius, Cinderella on Ice boasts stunning special effects including fire and rain, flying, magnificent projected scenery depicting a Siberian town square and a black and silver art deco theatre, and glorious costumes from Albina Gabueva, head designer at Moscow's famed Stanislavsky Theatre.

Formed in July 2004 as a joint venture between two leading producers of live entertainment, James Cundall and Tony Mercer, and entrepreneur and former speed skater Vladislav Olenin, The Imperial Ice Stars specialise in theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre. Comprising the cream of Russian skating talent, the majority of the skaters have been trained by Russia's leading coaches - some from as early as four years of age - and between them have won more than 250 competition medals.

In a novel twist on the timeless tale, set in a Siberian town, 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 ballerina stepsisters to steal his heart, engineered with true villainy by her stepmother - the local ballet mistress, true love triumphs thanks to the magical powers of the Gypsy Fortune Teller and Cinderella's kindly father, the town's Watchmaker.

Playing the lead role of Cinderella is Olga Sharutenko, who partnered John Barrowman in the first series of ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2006, to great popular acclaim.

The Imperial Ice Stars' Cinderella on Ice is their third production, following The Sleeping Beauty on Ice (2004 - 2006 and 2007- 2009) and Swan Lake on Ice (2006 - 2008).

Cinderella on Ice is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Tony Mercer, Vladislav Olenin and David Atkins Enterprises, and presented in association with the Royal Albert Hall.

Royal Albert Hall
Box Office 020 7838 3100 (9am -9pm daily)
An administration charge of £3.50 applies except to personal callers at the Box Office
Book online www.royalalberthall.com

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