The lights go down, and there’s an air of silent anticipation in Blackpool’s Ice Arena. Pulsating chants can be heard in the distance, becoming louder and wilder. The excitement mounts as a lone skater comes into the arena and a trail of fire engulfs the ice.

In seconds the ice is filled with 30 Olympic and world champion skaters from over 14 countries, including homegrown talent from the UK.

Their entrance at speed elicits a huge cheer from the audience, and suddenly it’s easy to see why this spectacular show, now in its 89th year, has gained the title of ‘the world’s greatest show on ice.’

This year the Hot Ice Show is called XS, and it’s the most spectacular ever—and having seen nearly every one over the last few decades—sometimes making special trips to Blackpool from far-flung places—this show is mind-blowing.

There’s been an ice show, in what was then known as The Ice Drome, every year since 1934, even during the war years—only missing one during Covid.

Built in 1936, the Pleasure Beach Arena was built, and the first shows took place. Designed by the famous architect Joseph Emberton, it was the world’s first purpose-built ice theatre.

Many famous blades have skimmed over the ice here. In 1938 Betty Callaway starred in the show and later went on to coach Torville and Dean, whilst in 1980 Robin Cousins appeared in a gala show following his Olympic performance. Later, Dancing on Ice’s Dan Whiston, Katie Stainsby, and Simon Prouix-Senecal. This year two Olympians join the show: Shawn Sawyer and Xiaoyu Yu.

In 1959 the great illuminated staircase was built, which even today is used as an integral part of the show.

Now in her 31st year as director, Amanda Thompson has once again created ‘a ballet on ice,’ as she calls it.

XS has beauty, spirit, grace, and borders technically, visually, and artistically on brilliance.

Former Finland Olympian Oula Jaaskelainen’s stunning choreography is fast, dangerous, daring, and challenging, but it's beautifully crafted and encapsulates theatre and art.

Skaters tackle triple jumps, toe and axel loops, backflips, twizzles, salchows, and complicated, dangerous lifts, often at great speed with passion and intensity.

Particularly outstanding is the take on Bourne’s version of Swan Lake, where male skaters emulate to perfection the swans—not easy to do on skates.

There’s a show-stopping homage to Torvill and Dean with a Bolero routine by the whole cast and a beautifully themed ‘Joy to the World’ finale.

The 300 lavish costumes designed and made in-house by Stageworks, some with over 11,000 hand-crusted rhinestones, really do dazzle. It’s hard to imagine that sometimes the skaters do quick changes in only 120 seconds.



Over the years the ethos and content have changed, but it was good to see the skaters still performing the famous wheel that inspired many young children, including myself, to get their skates on and sign up for lessons at the then ‘ice drome.’

What are you waiting for get your skates on?
XS The Hot Ice Show runs until 13th September. There are matinee and evening performances every day excluding Sunday.
The matinee shows are shorter at 50 minutes than the evening show that lasts for 2 hours including an interval. Anyone visiting The Pleasure Beach can see the matinee for free.
There are a number of Show, Dine and Stay Packages available at either The Big Blue or The Five Star Boulevard Hotel – Call 01253 336081or visit the hotel’s website for details. For Show and Dine Packages at The White Tower call 0871 2229 090
For more information on performances or to book visit HoticeShow.Com or call the box office on 0871 222 9090 (Same Day Bookings 341707)






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