It’s been 24 years since I worked as an usherette at The Hot Ice Show, in the heady summer of love of 1990, and 23 years since I worked in the box office. I spent many a night at the ice rink and knew all the words to the songs of the 1990 show, after watching twice a day for around four months. I always have a warm fuzzy feeling when I think of those days; happy, fun, youthful times and many an after- show party (but that’s for sharing down the pub).
Back to business. I was delighted to snap up the chance to go and see the ice show after all this time and see how the experience lived up to my memories. The ice rink and Pleasure Beach have gone through a number of face lifts over the years and the ice rink is looking rather swish with a full re-vamp to the foyer and box office. Everything I could wish for…well, a Starbucks – a good coffee is always in order.
As I entered the arena, all my happy memories flooded back as I waited in expectation of the glitz and glamour of happy days gone by. I was not disappointed – the show opened to an extravaganza of lights and costume, beautiful girls and handsome men.
Ice skaters travel from across the world to take part in The Hot Ice Show with a number of skaters who have represented in international competitions and professional show skaters. A total of 26 skaters took to the ice. Included in the impressive line up were stars from ITV’s Dancing On Ice as well as Olympic and professional skaters.
Producer and Director Amanda Thompson OBE said: “The Hot Ice Show is one of those productions that really must be seen to be believed. Each year we work on raising the standard of dramatic ice skating and this year’s show, called Hot Ice Show, really lives up to this”.
You may be surprised to know that The Hot Ice Show has been running for 77 years. This really brings home what a success the show has been over the years and places it as a core favourite within Blackpool and The Pleasure Beach history.
This year’s theme is ‘passion’ and it was available in abundance. We are shown fast numbers as well as slow and sensual pieces. A strong sense of cabaret was evident and we were even treated to a pole dance and a number influenced by a bath and water – the show is quirky and the producers have really taken ice performance out of the box. The skaters revealed strong technical skills: Triple Toes, Double Axels, and Triple Salchows out of nowhere in a small space shared with 25 other skaters. It was breath taking and engaging.
Hot Ice Show is on at the Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach from 3 July to 6 September 2014. The show is suitable for all members of the family. Call 0871 222 9090 for bookings or visit the website.
STOP PRESS: THE PLEASURE BEACH HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT £5 TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR 11.30AM SHOWS ON 10, 15 AND 17 JULY. BOOK QUICK FOR THESE FANTASTIC PRICES!
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