If you're a fan of Disney's favourite stories, this was the night to get out with the kids to see the best of the last 100 years – yes, 100 years – of magic.
Full of memorable music and lyrics, this show brought the usual two-dimensional experience to full-colour 3D life.
It's a hit because all of the children can sing along, and so can the adults.
We enjoyed a whole host of Disney legends, including Aladdin, Nemo, many of the princesses, and the cast of Toy Story, who after their recent cinematic outing got the biggest cheer of the night.
The sound quality didn't help much, though.
The It's a Small World number brought the first half to a successful close, revisiting the opening day of Disneyland Park in 1955. The colourful celebration of fun worldwide for children everywhere hit the spot, the moral of the story being that everyone shares the same hopes and dreams. Proof indeed that the magic of Disney brings everyone together.
The second half featured a skit from Mickey Mouse, then and appearance by Pinocchio, with some of the youngsters a little confused by Jiminy Cricket, as he's not on the telly much nowadays – but they went along with it, because the adventures were so good.
Mulan and The Incredibles built the excitement up until we had the musical climax with classics from The Lion King.
The finale brought all the main characters back onto the ice for their farewell, then the biggest spectacular surprise – fireworks from the famous Disney castle.
All in all, a good night, even if we were left wondering where Tinkerbell was!
Showing posts with label Trent FM Arena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trent FM Arena. Show all posts
Friday, October 8
Thursday, April 29
Torvill and Dean’s Dancing On Ice The Tour - Trent FM Arena
The ice dancers put absolutely everything into their performance in a rip-roaring extravaganza by the TV stars on tour in Nottingham.
And although there was only one real slip-up, the judges were predictably harsh, reminding us that they see the same routines night after night – and judge them according to improvement or worsening of their ice dancing.
Cheeky Andi Peters was our host, and got proceedings under way for what was a slightly subdued audience by this show’s standards.
Perhaps they’ve seen it all before. Indeed, Gaynor Faye, Chris Fountain, Ray Quinn and Clare Buckfield were competitors who had all previously graced the famous Nottingham ice in at least one previous tour. They were joined by newcomers Mikey Graham, Hayley Tamaddon, Emily Atack and Gary Lucy.
And of course we had the wonderful T&D. We love ‘em. Flashbulbs popping every time they set foot on the ice, and their eye-watering new Bolero routine saw our golden couple suspended from the rafters by purple silks. A standing ovation no less.
Of course, it was all a bit of fun and no reputations were made or lost.
It was clear on the night, however, that some were having more fun than others. Gaynor and Clare looked as though they were really enjoying themselves. Hayley seemed the most desperate to do well, while Chris was clearly way out in front on the night, and not only won the judges’ vote but carried off the trophy in the Bolero dance-off.
The first half of the show was the bit where the audience helped with the judging, having the chance to text their favourite after watching and hearing what the judges had to say. The panel comprised former Olympians Karen Barber and Nicky Slater, 2007 TV series winner Kyran Bracken, actor Christopher Biggins and Nottingham Post columnist and writer Erik Petersen.
We saw:
Mikey Graham – with professional dancer Melanie Lambert;
Gaynor Faye – with professional dancer Matt Evers;
Chris Fountain – with professional dancer Brianne Delacourt;
Ray Quinn – with professional dancer Alexandra Schauman;
Hayley Tamaddon – with professional dancer Dan Whiston;
Emily Atack – with professional dancer Fred Palascak;
Gary Lucy – with professional dancer Maria Filipov;
Clare Buckfield – with professional dancer Lukasz Rozycki.
And although there was only one real slip-up, the judges were predictably harsh, reminding us that they see the same routines night after night – and judge them according to improvement or worsening of their ice dancing.
Cheeky Andi Peters was our host, and got proceedings under way for what was a slightly subdued audience by this show’s standards.
Perhaps they’ve seen it all before. Indeed, Gaynor Faye, Chris Fountain, Ray Quinn and Clare Buckfield were competitors who had all previously graced the famous Nottingham ice in at least one previous tour. They were joined by newcomers Mikey Graham, Hayley Tamaddon, Emily Atack and Gary Lucy.
And of course we had the wonderful T&D. We love ‘em. Flashbulbs popping every time they set foot on the ice, and their eye-watering new Bolero routine saw our golden couple suspended from the rafters by purple silks. A standing ovation no less.
Of course, it was all a bit of fun and no reputations were made or lost.
It was clear on the night, however, that some were having more fun than others. Gaynor and Clare looked as though they were really enjoying themselves. Hayley seemed the most desperate to do well, while Chris was clearly way out in front on the night, and not only won the judges’ vote but carried off the trophy in the Bolero dance-off.
The first half of the show was the bit where the audience helped with the judging, having the chance to text their favourite after watching and hearing what the judges had to say. The panel comprised former Olympians Karen Barber and Nicky Slater, 2007 TV series winner Kyran Bracken, actor Christopher Biggins and Nottingham Post columnist and writer Erik Petersen.
We saw:
Mikey Graham – with professional dancer Melanie Lambert;
Gaynor Faye – with professional dancer Matt Evers;
Chris Fountain – with professional dancer Brianne Delacourt;
Ray Quinn – with professional dancer Alexandra Schauman;
Hayley Tamaddon – with professional dancer Dan Whiston;
Emily Atack – with professional dancer Fred Palascak;
Gary Lucy – with professional dancer Maria Filipov;
Clare Buckfield – with professional dancer Lukasz Rozycki.
Thursday, April 1
Disney Live - Trent FM Arena
There's often a feeling that Disney's live shows are a little too saccharine-sweet for the discerning palate.
If the all-pervading scent of candy floss and popcorn that hits you as you walk in the Arena doors takes your mind off the commercial opportunities as you find your seat, you can sit back and enjoy a show that's really rather good.
But when it's £9 (minimum) to have your photo taken and choccy buttons are £2.50 a bag, it's a relief to sit down unscathed.
Fortunately, as soon as it's curtain-up, all this is forgotten, because – quite simply – we are transported into the wonderful world that's Disney.
It IS truly magical when you're six and four, like my two are, and I was pleased to see my favourite, Goofy, was first on stage to tell us about the magical story book that has been discovered in Mickey's house.
Along with Donald, Mickey and Minnie, he introduces the stories of three of our favourite princesses, Snow White, Cinderella and Belle.
And yes, it is something special to see the seven dwarfs doing their "Heigh Ho!" routine, and watch the Queen quiz her magic mirror about who is the fairest of them all…
Incidentally, it was the evil Queen during that brief exchange that got most of the flash-bulbs in the sparse crowd.
A slick all-singing, all-dancing show that your little princesses (and princes) will fall in love with.
If the all-pervading scent of candy floss and popcorn that hits you as you walk in the Arena doors takes your mind off the commercial opportunities as you find your seat, you can sit back and enjoy a show that's really rather good.
But when it's £9 (minimum) to have your photo taken and choccy buttons are £2.50 a bag, it's a relief to sit down unscathed.
Fortunately, as soon as it's curtain-up, all this is forgotten, because – quite simply – we are transported into the wonderful world that's Disney.
It IS truly magical when you're six and four, like my two are, and I was pleased to see my favourite, Goofy, was first on stage to tell us about the magical story book that has been discovered in Mickey's house.
Along with Donald, Mickey and Minnie, he introduces the stories of three of our favourite princesses, Snow White, Cinderella and Belle.
And yes, it is something special to see the seven dwarfs doing their "Heigh Ho!" routine, and watch the Queen quiz her magic mirror about who is the fairest of them all…
Incidentally, it was the evil Queen during that brief exchange that got most of the flash-bulbs in the sparse crowd.
A slick all-singing, all-dancing show that your little princesses (and princes) will fall in love with.
Sunday, January 31
Strictly Come Dancing Live! Trent FM Arena
Entertainment was the name of the game for this sequined extravanagza - even if the ladies' costumes were a little daring for a Tuesday night in Hockley.
But the risqué was nicely balanced with some beautiful floaty numbers, and both Austin Healey and Mark Ramprakash also flashed the flesh, maybe in a bid to win the all-important vote!
The feeling you get from seeing Strictly unfold live in front of your eyes is a world away from watching it on the box in the corner of the living room.
It's not just the celebrity element. You can really appreciate the hard work from the amateurs and the precision and skill of the professionals.
Even the judges stepped on to the dance floor, with Bruno and Craig getting up-close and personal with an audience who lapped up their every move. And a welcome return for Arlene got one of the biggest rounds of applause at the start of the show.
The professional dancers shimmied a superb ensemble opening turn to warm up the crowd and this set a near-impossible bar for the competing couples to aim for...
The line-up of energetic celebs also boasted Ricky Groves, Chris Hollins, Ali Bastian, Natalie Cassidy, Zoe Lucker and Kelly Brook.
Among the professionals, the crowd was particularly wowed by Lilia Kopylova, whose red-hot tango set pulses racing.
It was good to see a full house at the Arena so soon after seasonal expenditure - but who'd have wanted to miss out on all this glitz and glamour?
Before the finales of flaming pyrotechnics and fond farewells from our new friends on the dance floor, the winner for the opening night was crowned. Take a bow, Austin Healey.
This tour is back in February, by popular demand, so grab a chance before the penny-pinchers at the BBC pull the plug.
But the risqué was nicely balanced with some beautiful floaty numbers, and both Austin Healey and Mark Ramprakash also flashed the flesh, maybe in a bid to win the all-important vote!
The feeling you get from seeing Strictly unfold live in front of your eyes is a world away from watching it on the box in the corner of the living room.
It's not just the celebrity element. You can really appreciate the hard work from the amateurs and the precision and skill of the professionals.
Even the judges stepped on to the dance floor, with Bruno and Craig getting up-close and personal with an audience who lapped up their every move. And a welcome return for Arlene got one of the biggest rounds of applause at the start of the show.
The professional dancers shimmied a superb ensemble opening turn to warm up the crowd and this set a near-impossible bar for the competing couples to aim for...
The line-up of energetic celebs also boasted Ricky Groves, Chris Hollins, Ali Bastian, Natalie Cassidy, Zoe Lucker and Kelly Brook.
Among the professionals, the crowd was particularly wowed by Lilia Kopylova, whose red-hot tango set pulses racing.
It was good to see a full house at the Arena so soon after seasonal expenditure - but who'd have wanted to miss out on all this glitz and glamour?
Before the finales of flaming pyrotechnics and fond farewells from our new friends on the dance floor, the winner for the opening night was crowned. Take a bow, Austin Healey.
This tour is back in February, by popular demand, so grab a chance before the penny-pinchers at the BBC pull the plug.
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