There are a few scenes that do appear to have been put together in a rush and the choreography unfortunately isn't quite up to the mark but these are few and far between. The fight choreography is excellent and on both occasions the performers, shedding the life-size costumes of their characters, emerge in stellar form delivering some of the most memorable moments that are surpassed only by the aerialists. The highlight was not so much the performances on ice as the aerial work and Curry's experience with Cirque du Soleil comes to the fore with a remarkable number of sequences. Multiple set levels add to the magic, the animation is lively and the puppeteering is slick and nearly invisible. What makes this show particularly successful is how it skilfully uses the space at Vector arena. The story, music and lyrics by Ella Louise Allaire and Martin Lord Ferguson are a creative blend of catchy ear-worms and smart, quick paced commentary that will keep adults entertained and children, like the one sitting next to me, leaning forward and breathing out “awesome” every five minutes. Productions on ice have become increasingly popular over the last decade and this particular version, co-directed by Guy Caron and Michael Curry, is a fab way to introduce your children, irrespective of age, to the wonder of the spectacular. The stakes are raised especially when the most vulnerable is taken away by the proverbial ‘baddies' and all manner of high jinks ensue as the adventure begins.Īdd to the narrative a frozen lake and a brilliantly animated set with projections from the film, a few life-size woolly mammoths including a wee baby one a sabre toothed beast and a sloth, and suddenly this tale just takes cool to a whole new level. Except this time, it actually was on ice.Īs far as plots go it's a simple story that works brilliantly.Ī family who adore each other get separated. Amidst an audience giddy with excitement, it was easy to transition to embracing a whole new world. As I waited for my guests, one of whom had raced from school, I felt a connection with the other parents or grandparents we waited with fluctuating bouts of patience as minutes ticked past, scanning the greenery and texting rapidly - or as one mother had to explain to her child, they couldn't go into the venue because their grandfather had the tickets and he was still at Britomart trying to find a park. The show began at 5pm, not ideal with the end of the day traffic piling up and parking was a mess. Last night Vector Arena was swarming with people under four feet tall. Ice A ge Live! A Mammoth Show On Ice Reviewed by Dione Joseph,

Ice age live a mammoth adventure