This summer the world-renowned Imperial Ice Stars embark on a national tour of the UK's magnificent Treasure Houses with THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE. The Imperial Ice Stars Treasure Houses Tour brings together, for the very first time, three marks of excellence - the world's leading theatrical ice skating company, some of the finest stately homes in England and a sumptuous Tented Ice Palace.
The Imperial Ice Stars Treasure Houses Tour visits Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Burghley House, Blenheim Palace and Beaulieu during the months of July and August 2008.
To Tchaikovsky's glorious music, The Imperial Ice Stars tell the classic love story of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE through sublime world-class ice dancing, including breathtaking high speed throws, awe-inspiring aerial gymnastics, stilt skating, fire effects and their performance speciality of incredible lifts and lift sequences, unrivalled throughout the ice skating world, as part of their unique style of theatre on ice.
The 23-strong cast of Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters, including Ilia Klimkin (Turin 2006 Winter Olympics) in the role of Catalabutte, glide through this much-loved story with grace and athleticism. Daring skating feats, normally only seen in Olympic arenas, are performed within the confines of a frozen theatre stage in the intimacy of The Tented Ice Palace - to thrilling effect.
The Imperial Ice Stars enjoyed phenomenal international success with THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE in 2005. Together with last year's tour of Swan Lake on Ice, these stunning productions from The Imperial Ice Stars have garnered worldwide critical acclaim and been enjoyed by over two million people across five continents, from London to Sydney, Toronto to Cape Town and Tokyo to Moscow.
At a time when public interest in ice-dancing is at an all time high, UK audiences who missed out first time around now have the opportunity to see this captivating production, in an unforgettable setting.
For the first time, five of England's Treasure Houses - Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Burghley House, Blenheim Palace and Beaulieu will host this outstanding international production in their private grounds. Audiences will be able to enjoy spectacular views of these grand historic houses and palaces while picnicking in the grounds or in The Tented Ice Palace Garden before the show commences.
The Tented Ice Palace will be the ultimate in luxury, with reserved seating cushioned for comfort, bespoke chandeliers and carpeted throughout. Regardless of the weather The Tented Ice Palace will be air-conditioned to the perfect temperature and encompass an entrance foyer, a spacious fully-licensed Ice Bar and the Grand Theatre marquee.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE will be performed in the Grand Theatre marquee on a 15m x 13m theatre stage with a surface of real ice. The production has been re-choreographed by award-winning Artistic Director Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world's leading creator of theatre on ice, together with 2002 World Champion and Olympic Silver Medallist Ilia Averbukh, and international medallist Maria Orlova.
Set against a backdrop of sumptuous sets designed by Eamon D'Arcy, one of Australia's top scenic designers, and complete with full theatrical lighting, the company dazzles in more than 100 lavish costumes from renowned Russian costume designer Natella Abdulaeva.
This is a unique opportunity for all the family to experience the magic and magnificence of The Imperial Ice Stars.
Those who are unable to catch The Imperial Ice Stars Treasure Houses Tour can see THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE at a number of theatres around the UK from 5th May until 13th July 2008.
Get your skates on and book now for a truly breathtaking spectacle! Tickets can be booked for The Imperial Ice Stars Treasure Houses Tour by calling See Tickets on 0871 230 7135, Group Bookings 0844 412 4650 or by visiting www.seetickets.com.