Swan Lake on Ice

It's not all comedy, comedy, comedy in this city at the moment, you know. Over at the Empire, there's ballet! On ice! The Imperial Ice Stars have just begun a Liverpool run as part of their two-year, 22-country world tour of Swan Lake (On Ice. Natch). The production features new choreography from artistic director Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice, as well as new effects and costumes. The 26 World, European and National Championship skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, apparently "take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their daring and graceful feats – some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named", in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage. “I always felt it was a natural fit, to have swans gliding on ice," Mercer said. “I created our original Swan Lake on Ice four years ago in a classical style with elements of contemporary ice dance. With this production I’ve significantly re-worked the choreography to incorporate even more contemporary skating manoeuvres, and challenged our skaters to reach for new heights again.” Swan Lake on Ice runs until Saturday, with evening and matinee performances. Tickets are available from Liverpool Empire box office, on 0844 871 3017 or at www.liverpoolempire.org.uk