THE world-renowned Russian Ice Stars visit Scarborough Span next month with a spectacular new adaptation of JM Barrie’s famous fantasy adventure story of the boy who never grew up.

Peter Pan on Ice will be performed at the Scarborough Spa from Wednesday, April 9, to Saturday, April 12, for six performances only.

Featuring professional ice skaters of an incredibly high standard, the Russian Ice Stars include many former Olympic competitors. Formed in 1993, the company now performs to appreciative audiences all over the world in many diverse venues.

Prior to this production, the Russian Ice Stars received national acclaim with the most lavish productions of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, and are also responsible for the unique concept of combining circus skills and ice dance in Cirque de Glace. They have even performed Peter Pan on Ice in Monaco at the request of Prince Rainier.

This enchanting story features Wendy, Michael and John who are visited in the nursery by Peter Pan himself, who teaches them to fly with the help of Tinker Bell before taking them on a magical journey to Never Land.

Favourite characters including Tiger Lilly, Mr Smee and the vengeful Captain Hook will spring to life against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Along with some incredible special effects and dazzling unique touches, the cast of 23 skaters will bring this charming story to life in a way never seen before.

The logistics of staging a show such as this are challenging, with the company having just 18 hours in which to transform a normal theatre stage into a bespoke ice rink. It takes two 45 ft trucks, two industrial pools, 15 km of special rubber piping, two chiller units and four tons of crushed ice to make the rink. A crew of ten work around the clock in order to get the venue ready for the ice stars to rehearse at 4.30pm on opening night.

Producer Julian Deplidge said: “We pioneered the concept of theatre on ice by producing full-length productions. We build a full-size ice rink on theatre stages allowing audiences to see some jaw-dropping moves close-up; this is where it’s different from the traditional view you get in an ice arena.

"We work with the best skaters in the business and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Peter Pan on Ice. The Scarborough Spa is a gorgeous venue and we’re delighted to be bringing this fabulous show to the town.”

Tickets are priced from £15.with evening performances at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 9– Saturday, April 12 and matinee performances at 2.30pm on the Thursday and Saturday. Bookings can be made online at www.scarboroughspa.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01723 8218888.