THE ICE has barely melted outside, yet it seems people still can’t get enough!

The Russian Ice Stars returned to the Bristol stage last night with enough technical skill to out-perform the whole series of ‘Dancing on Ice’ in just two hours.

Many of the skaters are masters of their art, having started skating in the former USSR at a very young age and most are champions of their chosen discipline. As always, this is reflected in the production itself, which is much more about skating prowess than the story.

The fabulous costumes and props were well thought out and truly enhanced the show. Who, when they set out last night, would have thought they would see a Penny Farthing being ridden across the ice, or a Squaw hula-hooping with fire?

The performers barely put a foot wrong, however a single patch of problem ice spelled trouble for Tinkerbell and Hook in the second half. Other than that these experts performed leaps and tricks that the amateurs in the audience could only dream of one day emulating.

This is not a show for the very young - those under the age of eight seemed to struggle with the lack of script and unfamiliar music, but the helpful (if infrequent) narration just about held the plot together.

I also found JM Barrie’s presence at the side of the stage slightly disconcerting, as he frequently jumped up to help push the story along, as well as the audience participation required to keep Tinkerbell alive. This was not, in any way, a pantomime performance.

That said, the skating was exquisite, and the tricks involving fire and flying had us all holding our breath.

This is a very welcome return to the Bristol stage for a group of very talented individuals.

As my daughter commented upon leaving the auditorium: “Wow, that was much better than the TV show.”

Bristol Hippodrome, Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 January