Marina ice joy

17 August 2007

LOWESTOFT Marina Theatre bosses say they have achieved the biggest theatrical coup in its 100-year history.

The Journal can reveal today that, for the first time in more than 50 years, a top international ice show featuring some of the world's best skaters will be presented at the Marina in December.

The highly-acclaimed Russian Ice Stars, some of whom are seen here, will join some of the top names in the entertainment industry and world-renowned Opera and Ballet companies in treading the Edwardian theatre's boards.

From December 12 it will be a case of from Russia with love, as the Russian ice stars bring their brand new production - Beauty And The Beast On Ice - to the theatre.

Pirouetting into town for the festive ice spectacular is likely to provide an early Christmas cracker for theatre-goers - who will have the added bonus of seeing what is set to be the “biggest touring production ever staged in Lowestoft.”

And for the first time in the theatre's history, the Marina stage will be transformed from wooden boards into a real ice rink in preparation for the “dazzling” show.

There will also be a boost to the town's economy - as staging a major show of this magnitude just before Christmas is likely to attract thousands of people into Lowestoft during the festive season.

The last time that an ice show thrilled spectators in Lowestoft was in 1955 at the former South Pier Pavilion, when Holiday On Ice was performed.

But this modern production is set to capture a new audience - as “thrill a minute skating” combines with “stunning choreography” and a “brilliant” new musical score to recreate a “magical” tale.

Beauty And The Beast is produced by Wild Rose Ltd, and their Executive Producer, Colin Angus, told The Journal: “We are delighted to be bringing our internationally acclaimed company of skaters to Lowestoft for the very first time.

“Wild Rose has been presenting the Russian Ice Stars in the UK since the early 1990s and we are certain the production will both enchant and enthral audiences just as it and our previous shows have done in venues across the country.”

For theatre bosses, capturing eight performances of this show is a massive coup - and the production will take pride of place in the forthcoming autumn/winter season.

The production normally only tours into major cities - and so to have it come to Lowestoft during the run-up to Christmas is another major festive boost to the town.

A delighted venues manager at Waveney District Council, Martin Halliday, told The Journal: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the Marina, Lowestoft and the people of Waveney.

“Once again our audiences do not have to travel hundreds of miles in search of high quality family entertainment, I am delighted and extremely honoured to have been able to secure this terrific production for the Marina.”

And with the Festive Spectacular likely to attract many thousands of people into the town, many of whom may be visiting for the first time, the knock-on effect for town centre business looks to be extremely encouraging.

Margo Uptstone, Business Support Officer for the Town Management Partnership, spoke on behalf of local retailers and admitted it would have a positive impact on trade.

“Once again the Marina has pulled off the near impossible,” she said. “To have such a major production coming into the town in the run up to Christmas will, without doubt, add enormously to the line-up of festive activities and draw crowds from across the region and beyond.”

The staging of the show will also bring technical challenges to Marina staff - as Mr Halliday revealed that the ice show would prove “the most difficult event” ever staged at the theatre. This is because a special ice surface will be built out across the stage and into the auditorium, with a number of lorries containing the refrigeration plant, lighting, costumes and scenery all having to be unloaded and assembled by theatre staff in time for opening night.

Beauty And The Beast On Ice will be at the Marina from December 12, and for more information or to book seats, please telephone the Box Office on 01502 533200.