Disney On Ice to skate into Liverpool

[Paul D]

THE colourful underwater world of Nemo the fish will be brought to life when Disney On Ice skates into Liverpool.

Show bosses are promising plenty of spectacle – including a 43ft blue whale – when the ice- dancing version of smash-hit film Finding Nemo comes to the ECHO Arena.

Audiences will be plunged into the amazing underwater world of "lucky"-finned clownfish Nemo, his overprotective father Marlin and cheerfully optimistic Dory.

Producer Kenneth Feld said: "In this show we create a living sea on the ice in such a way that audiences will feel as if they are actually underwater.

"We combine digital projection, choreography and the most unbelievable costumes ever seen.

"The result is a visual masterpiece that will truly transform the ice surface, taking audiences through the ocean and into the aquarium."

The ECHO Arena will be transformed into an aquatic paradise, complete with brightly-coloured coral reefs and fish of all sizes swimming among the coral.

Skaters will wear costumes created by draping fabric from a frame, like a flag, made from spandex and stretch velvet to give a sleek look.

The sea creatures will include sparkling moonfish, pastel pink and lavender jellyfish and seahorses, sharks, stingrays, starfish and sea turtles.

Director Patty Vincent said: "The audience is going to feel like they are a part of the story – a part of the fun, friendship and adventure."

"At the end, each audience member will really feel as if they have been dipped into the water."

It will be Disney On Ice’s debut performance in the city.

In another first, choreographer Cindy Stuart has incorporated an aerial act into the skating show.

A skater will dangle from a chiffon "rope" more than 20ft in the air to perform astonishing acrobatic moves, holding her weight by the strength of her arms and by wrapping the silk around different parts of her body.

Finding Nemo runs from Wednesday September 24 to Sunday September 28.

catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk

ECHO essentials

* Performances take place at 7pm on September 24-26; at noon, 3:45pm and 7:30pm on September 27; and 11am, 2:45pm and 6:30pm on September 28.

* Tickets go on sale on Monday September 14.

* Weekday performances are priced at £11.50-£33.50, and weekends are £15.50-£33.50.

* To book visit www.liverpool.com, www.accliverpool.com or call the box office on 0844 8000 400 .

* All tickets are subject to a booking/handling fee.