Christmas classic Nutcracker glides to a triumphant finale

It may be early for Christmas, but the Imperial Ice Stars' Nutcracker on Ice is a fun show designed to thrill adults as well as children.

At her parents' Christmas party, young Maria is given a nutcracker doll by the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer. That night she dreams that the doll turns into a handsome prince, with whom she defeats the wicked Mouse King's army, and travels to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy welcomes them.

The director-choreographer, Tony Mercer, has taken a classic traditional approach to the story while adding some innovative touches.

Casting a live performer as the nutcracker doll worked brilliantly, thanks to the amazing plasticity of former international gymnastics champion Marina Davydova and the protean partnering of company veteran Vadim Yarkov. Yarkov made not only the diminutive Davydova look light as a doll but every other woman as well.

The high point of Act 2 (in every sense) was a breathtaking aerial routine to the Arabian Dance, which matched the music perfectly.