WHEN he first stepped out into the world of entertainment, James Cundall vowed to create the world’s leading theatre company.

Over the past 16 years, the Ryedale producer has accrued 80 shows to his name including Les Miserables, Cats, South Pacific and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which have been enjoyed by two-and-a-half million people across the globe.

Now his latest tour, Sleeping Beauty on Ice, will be staged for five nights at Castle Howard, from July 30 until August 3, performed in “never-been-seen-before” 1,500- seat tented ice palace.

His impressive career started as a chartered surveyor at the family firm Cundalls, and has seen the former St Andrew’s schoolboy appointed head of Rothschild’s in Asia before becoming widely regarded as the leading producer of theatre on ice.

Along with world-renowned director and choreographer Tony Mercer, and former speed skater Vladislav Olenin, they will bring their elaborate “Treasure Houses Tour” to five of England’s finest stately homes – Chatsworth, Castle Howard, Burghley House, Blenheim Palace and Beaulieu – during this month and next.

Some of the breathtaking feats performed by the cast of 23 Olympic skaters known as the Imperial Ice Stars have never been seen before.

James said: “I set up Lunchbox Theatrical Production with Tony as a hobby but since then it has just grown and grown.

“I was an appalling actor but I always harboured this desire to be involved in the theatre. I suppose this love for the theatre sprang from going to watch shows at the open air theatre in Scarborough.

“We now have offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand as well as our UK-base just outside Malton. Our last show Cinderella on Ice toured for two years in 22 different countries and was the most expensive ice show in history.

“It will be fantastic to bring this kind of spectacle to the area and with it bring a bit of the West End magic to Ryedale.”

Performed to Tchaikovsky’s ballet score, it will tell the classic fairy tale through aerial gymnastics, throws and fire effects – all within the confines of a 15 metre ice rink.

James added: “This is the first time that an undertaking of this scale has been seen in the UK. The tented ice palace will be the ultimate in luxury with bespoke carpets throughout and chandeliers. It takes five days to construct.

“Ice staking has come a long way in recent years and dancing on ice has re-invented staking in the public mind. We are living in an uncertain world at the moment and with prices going up we have to give value for money. If people give their money and time then we have to deliver and they leave feeling happy.

“I can guarantee that people will be transported away from their everyday lives for the evening and enjoy complete luxury – regardless of the English weather.”

Tickets cost between £15 and £37.50 and can be booked by calling 0871 230 7135 or visiting www.seetickets.com