Dancing on Ice

Those of you in the UK will be familiar with the TV series Dancing on Ice where celebrities learn to ice dance with professionals and compete to win the series. This year was actually the first time I've watched the series and I really enjoyed it. So, when my cousin Glenys asked me if I'd like to go to see the Live Show in Newcastle I said yes.

Last night, straight from work, we headed over to Newcastle Metro Arena an hour's drive away. We had a smooth journey and before going into the venue we ate our sandwiches in the car park as we were really hungry by then!

The show was not what I expected, I thought it would be skating shows with both the professionals and celebrities. But the first half was like the TV programme, each couple skating and being commented on and voted for by the judges. In the interval you could vote for your choice of celebrity by text. The whole show was being filmed for the next Dancing on Ice DVD.

The celebrities involved came from all the three series. They were, Kyran Bracken, Chris Fountain, David Seaman, Gareth Gates, Zaraah Abrahams, Linda Lusardi, Suzanne Shaw (who had to pull out after the first half as she had hurt her knee), Claire Buckfield and Bonnie Langford.

The second half had various skating routines which were wonderful. the professional skaters were amazing. The speed, grace and strength they showed was beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And of course Torvill and Dean performed as well, and captivated us with their routines including a stunning "flying" routine. They do so well considering they are around the same age as me now!

Finally the results came in and it came down to the final two celebrities chosen, Kyran Bracken and Chris Fountain, to dance Bolero to decide the Newcastle champion. They were both good, but Kyran had the edge and was voted the champion.

All in all, it was a great evening's entertainment, talented skaters, striking lighting, good music (including U2's "One") and lots of laughs - audience participation was encouraged and the Geordies are not ones for holding back! If the show comes your way try to see it, it's something different and good family entertainment.