The Metro Radio Arena was full of budding Buzz Lightyears and miniature princesses, all looking as pretty as a picture, as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and company brought the Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic show to town.
This magical and enchanting production is, essentially, a chance for your (and your children!)to reacquaint yourselves with all your favourite Disney characters on a whistle-stop tour through many of the most popular and famous animated feature films.
The kids sat mesmerised, occasionally coming out of their collective trance to let out a squeal of delight, whilst even the most cynical of adults eventually relented and allowed their inner-child to come out.
The show takes the form of fourteen vignettes, each with a different mood, tone and look. It kicks off with Aladdin and not only one genie, but a total of 21! Other pieces focus on Finding Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, The Disney Princesses, Toy Story, Pinocchio, Mulan, The Incredibles and The Lion King, whilst Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy link the sequences together.
With each of the two acts running at just over three-quarters of an hour each, the little ones never became restless or bored. It almost came as a surprise to them and me when the blue and white-themed Its A Small World routine, which celebrates the culture and dress of a whole host of nationalities, heralded the interval.
But, lets not forget that this is not just Disney its Disney on Ice. So, what about the skating? Well, the choreography is stunning and it is executed with elegance and grace. I was particularly impressed by those who were required to perform as characters that required cumbersome costumes, such as The Beast, Mrs Potts and Lumiere.
This production is slick and stylish, magical and mesmerising and its all done as only Disney does best with a passion for perfection.
Runs until Sunday 10 October 2010.
Sandra Giorgetti reviewed this production at the O2 Arena