Breathtaking skating moves makes Cinderella On Ice great entertainment – but the Congress Theatre spectacular offers much more.

This Wild Rose production also provides aerial rope tricks, juggling and trampoline jumps. And the search for the slipper (sorry, ice skate) extends to Spain, Egypt and Russia.

A real ice rink has been built on the Congress stage, enabling The Russian Ice Stars to amaze us with their speed, spins and daring lifts. But most of the audience were glad to keep their coats on during Wednesday's opening performance, especially those nearest the ice.

One of the best-loved fairytales sees Cinderella (Valeria Vorobyeva) suffer at the hands of her vindictive stepmother (Sergei Smirnov) and two horrid stepsisters (Viktoriya Shklover and Maria Mukhortova). They tear her dress and refuse to let her go to the Ball even though she has been invited.

But Cinderella's fairy godmother, superbly played and skated by Ekaterina Murugova, weaves a spell to send her off to the Ball in a gold coach. Sadly, the coach is rather small and almost hidden at the back of the stage.

Prince Charming, alias Valdis Mintals, a charismatic and handsome lead, expresses his torment when Cinderella runs away as the clock strikes 12.

The Court Jesters, played by married couple Alexander and Ekaterina Belokopytova, perform wonderful aerial gymnastics, often hanging on to a rope with one hand, while Denis Balandin and Yuri Kuprin produce some dazzling skating.

The sets lack colour and imagination but it is a magical experience.