Magical fairytale set to come to life on ice in Wellingborough

Mirror mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
Rinata Araslanova on the new ice rink at Beckworth EmporiumRinata Araslanova on the new ice rink at Beckworth Emporium
Rinata Araslanova on the new ice rink at Beckworth Emporium

The answer will be revealed at Wellingborough’s Castle theatre as the stage is turned into a frozen wonderland for Snow White On Ice this Christmas.

Its cast of Russian ice stars will tell the story of one of the best loved fairytales with an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, Prince Charming, the woodcutters and a shiny red apple.

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Rinata Araslanova will be playing Snow White and she took to the ice yesterday (Thursday) at the new indoor rink at Beckworth Emporium, which opens to the public this weekend.

Rinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin GriffithsRinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths
Rinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths

Professional Russian skater Rinata was the first person to try out the freshly-lain surface and she said: “In Russia, most children have the opportunity to learn to skate and so I think it’s fantastic that Beckworth is offering everyone the chance to try it, especially in such a beautiful setting as this.

“One of the loveliest things for me about what I do is that our show often inspires young girls to want to get out on the ice and now, instead of just dreaming about it, they can actually have a go themselves and enjoy something of the joy of skating that I get every time I perform.”

Sam Avison from Deplidge International Ltd is the show’s production manager and he said: “It’s a magical fairytale on ice and we do a very traditional version of Snow White.

“It’s a fun-filled family adventure.”

Snow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this ChristmasSnow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this Christmas
Snow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this Christmas
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The story will be brought to life on ice, with ballet, gymnastics and aerial acrobatics included in the spell-binding show.

Members of the 18-strong cast will all be skating on an ice stage created in the 400-seat theatre.

It will take more than 24 hours to create the ice rink, which is made using a grid of pipes which are then covered in water.

The water is added in small quantities and allowed to freeze before building it up layer by layer.

Tickets are selling well for Snow White On IceTickets are selling well for Snow White On Ice
Tickets are selling well for Snow White On Ice
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Once complete, the team will put up the lighting rig and get the scenery in place ready for the first performance of Snow White at the recently re-opened theatre.

Sam said: “We knew there were struggles there before and that it might have closed.

“But now the council has taken it over, we thought it would be a great opportunity for us.

“It’s nice to be able to do a Christmas show somewhere we haven’t been before.

Rinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin GriffithsRinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths
Rinata (Snow White) with Cllr Ken Harrington and Wellingborough Council leader Martin Griffiths
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“We have done the Royal and Derngate before, but not Wellingborough.”

Sam said they were looking forward to bringing Snow White On Ice to audiences in Wellingborough, and added: “The Castle is perfect for us, it’s quite intimate.”

Kim Garrioch from The Castle theatre: “Snow White on Ice is a truly spell-binding show that promises to thrill and entertain audiences this Christmas.

“We’re thrilled to be able to team up with Beckworth Emporium as their ice rink has become a great festive tradition for families in Northamptonshire, much like a Christmas trip to the theatre.”

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Beckworth’s ice skating manager Mike Easom said: “We’ve worked so hard again this year to make the skating experience even more special, what with the new indoor rink that’s bigger than ever, so it’s just magical to see it finally coming to life.

“Not forgetting that with the push-along penguins for the little ones, two curling rinks and the ice café and new blizzard bar for those who’d rather stay on terra firma, there’s something to keep the whole family entertained.”

Snow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this ChristmasSnow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this Christmas
Snow White On Ice is coming to The Castle theatre this Christmas

Snow White On Ice is on at The Castle from Wednesday, December 14, until Friday, December 30.

To buy tickets call 01933 270007 or go to www.castletheatre.co.uk.

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Beckworth’s Christmas Ice Emporium is open every day from Saturday, November 12, until Monday, January 9 (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

Entry is £12 for adults (15 and over) and £8 for children with discounts available for group bookings.

For more details, go to www.beckworthemporium.co.uk.