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Vivienne Kennedy reviews Russian Ice Stars production of Peter Pan on Ice, J M Barrie’s classic story of Lost Boys, Indians and Pirates and the little boy who never grew up. The show runs at the Bristol Hippodrome theatre until 16 January

On Thursday night I sat in the Bristol Hippodrome enthralled by this stunning production of the classic J M Barrie story.

Presented by Wild Rose and performed by The Russian Ice Stars this was a fast-paced show that held the attention of young and old alike.

We saw the character of J M Barrie sit down to write his classic tale ‘Peter Pan’.  We were transported from the author’s study to the Darling children’s nursery and to Never-Neverland, where we met Peter Pan’s friends The Lost Boys, and encountered friendly Indians, mermaids, pirates and a crocodile.

In the course of their adventure the Darling children learn how to fly, save a princess, are taken captive by pirates, and then help Peter Pan win a battle to overcome those pirates, (who are led by an incredibly tall Captain Hook), all before flying back home to their parents.  A few brief lines of narrative at the start of key scenes helped to ensure that the story was easy to follow.

The costumes and scenery were beautiful, with a giant book, set at the back of the stage, providing the backdrop to each new scene as its pages were turned.

Accompanied by a score composed by Maestro Silvio Amato the skating was beautifully choreographed and skilfully performed.  The pirate scenes were particularly spectacular and included circus skills such as juggling, acrobatics and hula-hooping with a flaming hoop!  There were plenty of spins, jumps and lifts to bring gasps of delight from the audience.  At times there was almost too much happening on stage, as you watched one person perform an amazing feat on a rope high above the stage out of the corner of your eye you would catch someone else doing something equally impressive elsewhere.

The cast were all excellent; Katya Murugova, playing Tinkerbell, deserves a special mention, her characterisation of the sometimes stroppy, often jealous fairy was perfect; I also particularly liked the crocodile, played by Yuri Kuprin.  Most of the cast played multiple roles, with a mermaid from one scene appearing as a Lost Boy in another and as a pirate in the next; I couldn’t help thinking what a challenge quick changes with skates must be.

The story reached its end and the book closed, but there was one more treat in store – Peter Pan on Ice finished with an extensive finale that showcased each skater’s signature move, with some very impressive spinning, jumping and lifting being displayed.  The skaters seemed to really enjoy themselves, and you got the impression that they would have happily continued entertaining the audience all night.

Peter Pan on Ice runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 16 January, with matinee and evening performances.

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