Holiday On Ice: Speed

There has never been any denying the quality of the skating in a HOI production and in recent years the production values have matched, brilliant sets, costumes and great choreography. So what is happening to this stalwart of the festive season here in Brighton, a change of dates, a massively reduced stay? On second seeing ‘Speed’ seems to hold at least some of the answers, HOI is having an identity crisis. The post apocalyptic set and costumes, the club music and pulsing lighting are clearly one vision. But in amongst it an ice ballet danced to ‘California Dreamin’’ and a beach hut number looked so out of place. Perhaps the powers that be get scared and insert the more traditional stuff to ensure that existing audiences go away happy – and maybe they do. I feel that they need to be confident in what they do and stick to it. All that said, HOI is still a good night’s entertainment.

Brighton Centre, 23 November 2012

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