‘So it’s an ice rink in a theatre?’
‘Do you think it’ll be chilly?’
In fact, you won’t even notice if it is – you’ll be so absorbed in the spectacle before you, should you manage to bag yourself a ticket to this week-long run of Holiday On Ice’s latest production Passion at the Brighton Centre.
This latest instalment seems to have a more contemporary feel than the traditional Holiday One Ice shows (or maybe my memories of seeing them as a Brownie are becoming vague…). Ensemble numbers and impressive solos and duets are woven together with snippets of voiceovers and narration of the dancers’ own career journeys, giving the performance an unexpectedly personal touch. The music features everything from One Direction to Nine and Sweet Charity, offering something for everyone.
Special guests Vintage Vegas, a German three-piece singing group with their own unique style ‘SWOP’ (swing meets pop), are keen to lead a bit of audience participation in amongst their set. And of course, homage is still paid to the long-loved ‘Showgirl on Ice’ tradition, with feather-headdresses and sequins making an appearance in the second half.
The top-billed Ice Dancer is Annette Dytrt, five-times German champion and clearly a very skilled, engaging skater, but you may find your attention stolen by Adam Kaplan, US champion skater, who cuts so proficiently, and musically, across the ice that he was surely born with skates on his feet. Special mention must also be made to Simone Heitinga, whose aerial routines are not for the faint hearted and will definitely leave you gaping in wonder.
Altogether, a great family night out, especially for anyone who misses their weekly dose of Dancing on Ice. The show is well-executed and fast-moving, the swift pace and energetic routines keeping you hooked from the Steampunk-esque opening to the grand finale.
☆☆☆☆ Highly recommended
Reviewer: Jemma Gould
Holiday on Ice: Passion
Brighton Centre,
5th – 10th January 2016.