Cinderella on Ice, Sunderland Empire (From The Northern Echo)

Cinderella on Ice, Sunderland Empire

11:16am Thursday 30th October 2008

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THIS is not really a show for the very little ones, as Shetland ponies don’t appear in the transfiguration scene – they’d have trouble keeping their balance.

No such problems, however, for the 25- strong cast of Tony Mercer’s new interpretation of the fairy tale. They’ve won more than 250 competition medals at Olympic, world, european and national championship levels and their dazzling skill leaves the audience gasping.

The costumes, made by the same people who dress the Bolshoi Ballet, are fluid and beautiful and even the wicked stepsisters are slim, sassy and gorgeously dressed.

An original musical score by Tim Duncan and Edward Barnwell fits the production wonderfully and Tchaikovsky gets a look-in when Cinderella, a chorus dancer, gets the chance to take the lead in Swan Lake. Her stepmother, looking good in a scarlet satin trouser suit, tries to exclude Cinders from the mayor’s ball in honour of his handsome son, but a mysterious gypsy makes sure her charge is there so true love can triumph.

A special effect that produces the magic coach makes the audience go “Ooooh” at the end of the first half and when Cinderella leaves the ball at midnight, she leaves behind her sparkly skating boot.

It’s not pantomime; not a word is spoken but the story is clear enough and the grace and athleticism of the Imperial Ice Stars keep the audience mesmerised.

■ Until Saturday.

Booking office 0844-847249

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