Russian ice-dancing stars will skate into Lowestoft this winter for a show hailed by theatre bosses as the “biggest coup in their 100-year history”.

Russian ice-dancing stars will skate into Lowestoft this winter for a show hailed by theatre bosses as the “biggest coup in their 100-year history”.

The Marina Theatre, already the home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, announced yesterday that the acclaimed Russian Ice Stars will bring their new performance of Beauty And The Beast On Ice to the town on December 12.

Some of the world's finest skaters will perform their adaptation of the classic fairytale on a real ice rink constructed on the century-old Marina stage.

The arrival of the ice show, which normally only tours major cities, was celebrated by Lowestoft leisure chiefs who hope it will draw thousands of new visitors and provide a festive boost to the town centre's businesses.

Theatre manager, Martin Halliday, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the Marina, for Lowestoft and the people of Waveney.

“Once again our audiences do not have to travel hundreds of miles in search of high quality family entertainment.

“I am delighted and extremely honoured to have been able to secure this terrific production for the Marina.”

The show will feature choreography by Cavaliere Giuseppe Arena, who oversaw the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, complemented by an original musical score by Italian composer Silvio Amato.

Colin Angus, of production company Wild Rose Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our internationally acclaimed company of skaters to Lowestoft for the very first time.

“Wild Rose has been presenting the Russian Ice Stars in the UK since the early 1990s and we are certain the production will both enchant and enthral audiences just as it and our previous shows have done in venues across the country.”

The show will provide a challenge to technicians at the theatre, who will need to accommodate huge refrigeration lorries as well as building a special ice surface across the stage and into the auditorium.

Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for Operations and Facilities at Waveney District Council, said: “In recent years we have seen some of the most amazing productions staged at the Marina and news of this latest coup is certain to maintain the highest calibre of theatrical productions we have enjoyed recently.

“I am certain that having a major Ice Show will prove an enormous hit with the public, and people from across the district will be delighted with this truly wonderful news.”

The popularity of the Russian Ice stars means that they will only have time to squeeze in eight performances in Lowestoft before continuing their UK tour.

Beauty And The Beast On Ice will be at the Marina from December 12. For information and bookings, call 01502 533200.