UK Theatre Network

The Russian Ice Stars bring a stunning ice spectacular to the Theatre Royal stage.

From the dark and dramatic opening, with the transformation of the evil witch Drina (Svetlana Kuprina and John Hamer play the two sides of this character) into a beautiful version of herself, to the bright and cheery couriers dance at the palace this was a show full of contrasts. Drina’s attempts to lure the young King into taking her for a wife are thwarted by his attraction to the beautiful Aurora, an exquisite performance from Svetlana Perkina, and they are soon married with Snow White born soon after. The fact that all the storytelling is without words is a remarkable feat for such an interesting story as that of Snow White and Ms Perkina’s performance was one which told so much, especially during the scene of Aurora’s untimely death.

The light relief was supplied by the Court Jesters (Ekaterina Belokopytova and Yuri Kuprin) and the Strongman. The aerial act between Ekaterina Belokopytova and her husband Alexander Belokopytov was nothing short of breathtaking. The skill and strength on display was indicative of the cast as a whole. Snow White herself, played by Irina Tkachuk, was not only beautiful to look at, but a delight to watch as she glided so gracefully across the frozen stage. Her duets with Valdis Mintals (as both Young King Mirabile and Prince Charming) again provided some breathtaking moments, with dramatic lifts and throws in a space less than quarter the size of an Olympic skating rink!

The story plays out as most would remember, with the huntsman taking Snow White into the forest and leaving her there. Instead of the dwarfs of the Disney version, we meet 7 woodcutters who provide much humour with their energetic routines. Drina’s many attempts to kill Snow White are averted by her new found friends the Woodcutters and two geese (a great comedy duo in Ekaterina Murugova and Sergei Smirnov) Gras and Fua. However when Drina turns herself into an enchanting Gypsy and gives Snow White the poisoned apple, Snow White collapses into a deep sleep and is placed in the forest until found by Prince Charming, played by the handsome Valdis Mintals. The lighting effects surrounding Snow White’s recovery were very clever and combined with the other stage effects the amazement in the audience’s eyes were not only at the spectacular skating on display. With this happy resolution we return to the palace, and more celebrations occur with another aerial act from Ekaterina Belokopytova and her husband Alexander Belokopytov - this time on the silks, and finally the wedding of the happy couple.

With 2 performances on Saturday and a further 2 on Sunday, this is the ideal family show for the Bank Holiday weekend, so get your skates on and get your tickets now so you don’t miss out!!

Listings Info

Wed 26^th – Sun 30^th May

Wed – Sun Eves 7.30pm

Thurs, Sat & Sun Mats 2.30pm

Tickets £11-£26

Box Office: 0844 871 7647                  www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow