THE star attraction may have been Frozen, but the reception was anything but.
The young – and the young at heart – were enthralled as skaters brought to life four of the Disney machine’s most loved stories.
But while the audience was captivated by Toy Story, the Little Mermaid, Cars and the presence of Mickey and Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy, it was Elsa and Anna that they really had come to see.
Compered by Mickey and Minnie, the show stuck closely to the script of the aforementioned movies, albeit condensed in format.
With well-known songs and instantly recognisable characters allied to high energy and, in some instances, technical skating, it kept the attention of those whose bedtime had been forgotten for one night.
Harvey and Ethan Westcott, with their mother Karen, meet the stars of Disney's Frozen
The costumes and set design were what you might expect from a company such as Feld Entertainment, which attracts upwards of 30 million people a year across the globe to its shows - lavish, spectacular and dazzling.
So accurate were they though, in terms of scale and reproduction, it is testament to the skill and professionalism of the performers that they managed to remain on their feet.
It was no surprise that Disney’s latest blockbuster, ideally suited to its icy surroundings, provided the climax to the evening.
While the audience had clapped and cheered in all the right places when the likes of Woody, Buzz and Lightning McQueen entered the rink, as soon as the sisters took centre ice the roof almost lifted off.
The Arena was filled with singing, and not just from the children, many resplendent in princess dresses, and went up several notches when it was time for the film’s signature tune, Let It Go.
They may have seen it many times over, but the wonder in their eyes as Elsa skated around was a joy to behold.
An undoubted corporate behemoth, Disney has nevertheless not lost sight of what really puts smiles on the faces of children.
Smiles that I have no doubt were still present at breakfast tables across the North-East the following morning.
Matt Westcott
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here