International ice dance sensation, The Imperial Ice Stars, are coming to South Wales with their dazzling production of The Nutcracker on Ice for Christmas 2019. Over the last 15 years the award-winning troupe has performed to over four million people across five continents, including sold-out seasons at the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium, and now they will bring their enchanting The Nutcracker on Ice to the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), opening on Wednesday 11th December for a strictly limited season.
Set against a backdrop of colourful projections, opulent costumes, magic tricks and special effects, the 23-strong cast of World, European and National Championship-level skaters dance to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score on a frozen stage.
The must-see show will be the first of many entertainment events to take place at the new ICC Wales Theatre at the Celtic Manor Resort. Seating 1,500 people over two levels, the state-of-the-art theatre will play host to 37 performances of The Nutcracker on Ice over the Christmas and New Year period – a combination of evening, matinee and morning shows.
To create the frozen stage, 8 miles of pipe-work chilled to minus 15 degrees are laid out on stage, 12 tonnes of crushed ice spread over the surface, and 10,000 litres of water sprayed over a period of 24 hours; while the auditorium is kept at a comfortable temperature.
Ian Edwards, Chief Executive at ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Imperial Ice Stars to perform at our first entertainment event at ICC Wales. It is the ideal venue to host such a wonderful show and such an illustrious group of performers, and we are excited to provide the stage for their return to Wales.”
The Imperial Ice Stars’ renowned Artistic Director, Tony Mercer – the world’s leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice – has once again teamed up with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist, Evgeny Platov, to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.
Tony Mercer said: “The art form of ice dance lends itself beautifully to this well-loved tale. As well as some wonderful romantic ‘adagios’ with lifts and jumps, the story allows us to introduce gymnastics, flying, acrobatics, fire and illusions. Around the world, we have found our fast-paced, colourful performances to be an exciting introduction to the classics for the young, and a treat for everyone from newcomers to purists.”
Set in early-1900s St Petersburg, The Nutcracker on Ice follows the classic Russian tale of Marie, the little girl whose love brings to life her cherished Nutcracker doll – a magical Christmas gift from her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer. As midnight strikes on Christmas Eve, the toy comes to life, sweeping young Marie to a winter wonderland of enchantment where she meets the Mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The production has been designed to incorporate state-of-the-art projection, including some stunning LED illuminated effects as well as spectacular flying sequences. Sumptuous costumes which have been designed by Elena Predvodeteleva, a renowned designer of costumes for theatre, film and circus as well as couture.
To amplify the experience, the Celtic Manor Resort is offering a ‘Sugarplum Tea’ package (with an indulgent, festive afternoon tea) and a ‘Nutcracker Dinner’ package (with a two-course pre-show dinner in Celtic Manor’s signature Steak on Six or Asian-inspired Pad restaurants).
Since their debut in 2004, The Imperial Ice Stars have been greeted with nightly standing ovations and five-star reviews in some of the world’s most prestigious venues from Toronto to Tokyo, Cyprus to Cape Town, and Singapore to Sydney. Their productions (Sleeping Beauty on Ice, Swan Lake on Ice, Cinderella on Ice, The Nutcracker on Ice and Peter Pan on Ice) have won them a worldwide following and established an unrivalled reputation for their sophisticated portrayals of classic works, and for executing the most complex and daring manoeuvres on the ice.
Showcasing world-class skating with sumptuous projected scenery, lavish costumes, ingenious tricks, spectacular flying sequences and agile acrobatics, The Nutcracker on Ice at ICC Wales is a thrilling theatrical experience and a festive treat that will enchant all ages.
Produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, The Imperial Ice Stars and presented by ICC Wales.
Tickets are available from the Celtic Manor Resort website, www.celtic-manor.com
