Review - Disney on Ice in Birmingham

Young and old came together to clap, cheer and wave sticks in the air as the ever popular Disney on Ice returned to Birmingham.

Set in the early 1960s in Disneyland, in this spectacular production the "Fabs" – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto – decide to take a vacation of their own and enjoy Disney's most popular theme park attractions.

In one fun-filled scene after another, Donald and Goofy attempt to join in the fun, resulting in a series of comical mishaps. But it's no laughing matter when the evil fairy Malificent shows up to spoil the fun, with Minnie and Donald soon in a deep sleep locked away in her castle.

From there the rescue mission is on, with Mickey enlisting the help of The Incredibles in a dramatic raid on the castle.

Along the way the audience are taken on a nostalgic look through Disney's rich history, with appearances from Alice and the Mad Hatter, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear and Woody and Cinderella, complete with glittering carriage.

Attractions like Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion and It's A Small World would also have brought back memories for those lucky enough to have visited any of the three Disney parks.

It wasn't perfect – there were a couple of slips and falls from the internationally-acclaimed skaters and the seating at the LG can ruin the experience for a youngster unlucky enough to have a big adult sat straight in front of them.

But, as ever, Disney On Ice is two hours of pure fantasy escapism, a hark back to a bygone age where everything and everyone is pure and good. Kids will love it – and their moms and dads too.

It runs at the LG Arena until Sunday, February 27. Tickets priced at £13 to £35, plus booking and transaction fees, are available by calling 0844 338 8000 or from www.theticketfactory.com

By Wayne Beese