WHAT greater setting is there to watch Swan Lake on Ice than the Royal Albert Hall?

The Imperial Ice Stars brought the show alive, giving the ballet much more drama on ice through nail biting jumps and perilous leaps.

The performers could not be faulted as they carved up the stage with graceful glides around the rink.

They pirouetted and spun with such ease that you could almost forget this was a ballet on ice.

At a couple of points in the performance, cast members were attached to a trapeze and lifted up in the air.

Going at death defying heights, I was forced to cover my eyes for fear I would see one of them drop.

But each move was managed with confidence and colour.

There was just the right balance of thrills and romance to keep the show fast paced and exciting.

Andrey Penkin gave an exceptional performance as the hero Prince Siegfield while Olga Sharutenko gave an emotional, heart rendering rendition of Odette.

And the costumes were stunning- designed by top Russian costume designer, Albina Gabueva, they were inspired by the Romanov period and were designed with such care as to not tangle with performers’ skates.

The set was captivating, largely owned to the ice rink glistening within the centre of the theatre. It looked stunning within the hall, with fairy lights from the set giving the scene a whimsical feeling.

During the interval, the surface of the ice was scraped and resurfaced with hot water to keep it as smooth as possible.

Tchaikovsky's incredible score was played live by The Manchester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Tim A. Duncan.

Only one of the music pieces seemed to be recorded, with the game given away by Duncan, in full view of the house, fold his hands in front of his chest.

Nevertheless, the orchestra was magnificent and the sound resounded magically throughout the impressive venue.

It was a wonderful performance that received standing ovations.

For more information, go to imperialicestars.com or royalalberthall.com