Russian Ice Stars Bring Ice Rink to Life

October 31, 2007

Skating @ Life is back and will be launching in spectacular style with a special performance at the Centre for Life, Newcastle on 9 November at 10.30am.

Beauty and the Beast, played by the world famous Russian Ice Stars, will perform an excerpt from the acclaimed production, Beauty and the Beast on Ice to mark the opening of the longest running (15 weeks) ice rink in Europe in Times Square, central Newcastle.

The ice rink, which last year attracted over 75,000 skaters opens to the public on Saturday 10 November and runs until 24 February 2008. In addition to the open air ice rink, the Centre is offering ice themed activities to its programme within the science centre. A new 20-minute live show in the Life Theatre entitled Fire and Ice Show will run until February 2008.

Liz Dean, Trading and Operations Director explains, “At Life we offer hands-on science activities and we’re able to run an ice rink simultaneously. This gives us the perfect opportunity to look at the science behind ice and weather in a fun and accessible way.

“Visitors can enjoy a skate, and then visit the centre to see the Fire and Ice Show where they can find out why ice floats and why ice caps are melting. From January visitors can see the winter night’s sky in the Dome.

Elsewhere in the Centre, the ice-theme continues. Visitors can explore one of the Centre’s permanent exhibitions, Our World and learn how people survive in the icy conditions of the Arctic. Interactive exhibits include the chance to build an igloo, dress up as an Eskimo and hunt for food beneath an ice cap.

The role of the The Beast is performed by the world’s tallest ice skater, 6ft 8” (without skates) Russian, Andrey Chuvilyaev. He will be joined by Olga Pershankova who performs the role of Beauty.

The Russian Ice Stars are a professional team of Russian skaters, former competitors at national, European, World and Olympic level who wow audiences with their amazing skill and ability.

For Centre for Life and Ice Rink opening times and prices, please call (0191) 2438210 or visit www.life.org.uk