PREVIEW: Flying skaters, dazzling costumes and props behind the magic at Disney On Ice's Road Trip Adventures

This Christmas, the Utilita Arena Sheffield - December 18 to 22 - will host nine thrilling performances of Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, an all-new spectacular that whisks audiences away to their favourite Disney worlds.

Buy tickets now at www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.

Prepare for dazzling skating, breathtaking aerial acrobatics, and magical storytelling, writes Graham Walker.

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures is an enchanting journey of its own across beloved Disney stories. Audiences will join Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they explore iconic Disney worlds, from Simba’s Pride Lands and Frozen’s wintry kingdom to Andy’s Toy Box and beyond.

The show even takes a whimsical flight with Mary Poppins, adding an extra sprinkle of Disney wonder - a perfect festive treat for Disney fans of all ages.

We were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Feld Entertainment's magical production, from the spectacular costumes and props to conversations with the sensational skaters and aerial performers who bring this enchanting production to life.

The skaters are not just athletes, they are storytellers in motion, seamlessly blending figure skating with aerial acrobatics.

Alan Brussolo, aged 30, from Mexico, the tour's marketing manager, says it's a one-in-a-lifetime chance to see this brand new show making its European debut.

He said: "It presents so many different characters that we haven't seen before, like Mary Poppins.

There's also characters from The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen and many other surprises."The show is super interactive, between the host and the audience. The figure skating is first class, with incredible aerial acrobatics, so eyes will be on the ice and on the on the sky - everywhere the audience is going to be seeing a lot of action."

Aarron Kyle, 24, from London, plays the role of one of the show's biggest stars, Aladdin.

But he is in awe of the aerial performers who add an amazing touch of magic off the ice, including an incredible routine spinning round one of the gas street lights in Mary Poppins.

He revealed the rigorous training behind the gravity-defying moments and how it takes hours to master moves like the Monkey Lock or hanging by one arm, requiring immense core strength and precision.

Aarron said: "At the end of the number, the pole actually comes out of its base and flies up into the air for more aerial tricks. It adds to the narrative, showing Mary the way back to where she needs to be. And it's not just that. We've got people doing ensemble numbers at the back, different choreography."

Princess Jasmine, portrayed by Sophia Adams, highlighted an aerial hammock routine which features during Aladdin’s princely parade, where silk movements symbolise the grandeur of Aladdin’s world, adding elegance and beauty to a story fans already adore.Meanwhile, in Frozen, an aerialist embodies Elsa’s ice palace magic, dazzling the audience with movements that mimic sparkling snowflakes during a performance of show-stopper Let It Go.

Sophia, 30, from California, says: "It's everyone's favourite song, because it's the most sung Disney song throughout the world. The aerial routine, representing the magic of Elsa, is the result of a lot of hard work, core strength and flexibility, making tough movements look elegant and beautiful, so it adds to the story that we're already creating.

"Our show is very modernised. So we're taking ice skaters into the air to just add a little bit more to the stories that we already have and that you've already seen, but now you're getting to see people flying, so you're adding components and movements that you've never seen."

Costume design also plays a pivotal role in immersing the audience. Tour host Imani Underwood explained how every detail, from the shimmering audience dazzling crystals in Frozen to the vibrant colors in Aladdin’s parade, enhances the characters’ movements.

Ingeniously designed costumes incorporate hidden zippers for skates, allowing for fast and seamless transitions while keeping their skating boots on.The props in Road Trip Adventures aren't just accessories; they're integral to the storytelling.

From the bongo drums of The Lion King safari to the coconuts and bananas in Moana’s village, every prop enhances the sensory experience. Mary Poppins’ iconic kite and Aladdin’s Genie lamp become more than objects - they’re magical symbols that propel the narrative.

Imani, 27, from Las Vegas, said: "Props like the bongo drums in the Lion King segment, create the feeling of being on safari - so props are not just about the look, it's the sound as well.”

A real life Disney fairytale love story is celebrated by married cast couple Gretchen Trowbridge, 47, from Minnesota and husband Scott, 44, from Aberdeen, now both based in Wisconsin when they are not touring the world with the ice shows.

Scott, who plays Buzz Lightyear, says: "We met because of Disney and ice, which brought us together, and we've been happily married for the past 12 years.We're together all the time, best friends, married.”

Gretchen’s part in the show is driving Mickey Mouse’s magic mobile bus around the ice to various Disney worlds -it also features in a spectacular BMX jump-over routine.

She told how her shared Disney dream with Scott has taken them to over 50 countries touring in the real world. She said: "The most special part about it is how universal the Disney story lines are, whether we're performing in Chinese or Japanese or Spanish, the stories resonate with people all over the world, and it's been unifying to go to so many different places and see the same smiles and the same joy.

Scott, looking forward to his British homecoming, cherishes the UK audience’s enthusiasm."We love to see the kids dressed up for the shows in the UK. We've been here before and they usually go all out, including homemade costumes. It's so fun for us to see people dressed up as our characters. It just brings the energy even higher for us."

I'm lucky enough to perform Buzz Lightyear in the show - he's a real audience favourite, a classic character. He's been around now more than 25 years, so the audience goes crazy for him. It's fun to play, and it's just a great vibe to be out there."

This year’s production also features Sheffield’s own three-time British champion ice dance skater, Mia Jowitt, making a special fairytale homecoming - read her story here.

BUY TICKETS:  Guarantee your Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures tickets - tickets are now on sale, with nine performances from Wednesday to Sunday, December 18 to 22, 2024. Buy at  www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk.