Dancing On Ice judge and former Olympic figure skating champion Robin Cousins promises his new show will be the last word in skating spectacles.
And he’s hoping he might actually get the final say himself for once!
Robin Cousins’ ICE hits Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre later this month as part of a major tour.
It features an international line-up of top skating stars, including Glasgow girl Natalie Cunningham.
With a stack of British skating titles and lead roles in shows like Holiday On Ice, Natalie has a wealth of experience and plenty of energy!
“She’s one of those people you can’t take your eyes off, but sometimes you have to say, ‘Natalie, shut up for a minute!’” laughs Robin, head judge on Dancing On Ice.
“I think that’s the Glaswegian in her. I’ve done a few shows with her and she’s probably one of the most feisty and fun Tinkerbells I’ve had.
“I knew exactly the kind of tomboy I wanted and Natalie encompassed everything. She’s really feisty and I think that’s how she was when she competed.”
Robin says the production is truly groundbreaking for a new generation of skate fans, with the stars soaring and flying on stage.
“I think the theatrical setting really makes it different from an arena ice show,” confides Robin.
“You have a totally different look with different choreography because the space on stage is obviously limited.
“I like those challenges and have done it twice before but that was 30-odd years ago. I feel like I’m taking all the experience I’ve had with Holiday On Ice and other productions and am creating something new with a lovely cast.”
Robin has been overseeing production matters on top of his Dancing On Ice judging and also spending two weeks out in Sochi commentating on the Winter Olympics.
That’s all meant that skating is currently enjoying a very high profile.
“It is doing incredibly well,” admits Robin. “All the coverage and the love of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean shows that we are big skating fans.”
“It would just be nice if more of the young kids thinking they wouldn’t mind having a go really got into it. I think that’s the thing with kids these days they want something without having to put too much effort in.”
Robin Cousins’ ICE is at The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from March 26 to 30. See edtheatres.com for more details.
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