Robin Cousins ICE at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Robin Cousins’ ICE
Milton Keynes Theatre

8-12 April 2014

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Reviewed by Dorothy White

Last night we were lucky enough to be able to see Robin Cousins’ ICE at Milton Keynes Theatre, Buckinghamshire. A modern theatre with plenty of parking and restaurants nearby, ideal if you would like to combine a show with a meal.

Robin Cousins has hand-picked some of the greatest skaters from around the world to take part in his first ice dance show in over thirty years. Robin says “I am very excited to bring the daring and dazzling world of figure skating back into an intimate theatrical setting.” This statement was so true!!

Amazingly the whole stage was transformed into an ice rink with the use of refrigeration units which not only keep the ice frozen but are able to heat up and melt the ice quickly at the end of the run. Fascinating to think the stage of last week is an ice rink this week!!!

The skaters wowed the audience with their ability to glide, soar, jump and flip, they skated forwards, backwards, fast, slow in solos, pairs, groups, they treated us to spins, axels, lifts, throws and death spirals, we had magic, vocals, comedy and fantastic ariel acrobatics. It was all fantastic.

The soundtrack was very powerful with original music, then classics like Bridge Over Troubled Water reworked, which was truly incredible. The styles of skating were very varied, from something resembling classical ballet to very modern street dance.

The costumes and stage set were designed by David Shields, my personal favourite was those worn towards the end of the show and in the finale.

Robin Cousins directed and choreographed ICE, but unfortunately he did not make his usual appearance at Milton Keynes due to appearing with the Torville & Dean on tour. Tim Mitchell, lighting, Gareth Owen, sound with Maurice Luttikhuis musical supervisor.

According to the information in the programme one of the female skaters was missing last night, but the routines were cleverly adjusted so we had no idea until we looked at the programme.

A truly amazing show and well worth seeing, suitable for the whole family especially as it was finished by 9.30pm!!!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost £11.90 to £37.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ