"It is its own worst enemy. Everything about it people hate is everything about it people love."

Holiday On Ice is one of those phenomenons which manages to be hugely popular but not in the slightest bit cool.

"It is what it is and Diamonds is no exception," continues Olympic champion ice skater Robin Cousins, a major creative force behind this multi-national ice empire and a Brighton resident.

"It's extravagant, kitsch and completely over the top. That hasn't changed much over 60 years."

This in-your-face, unashamed glamour could be why Holiday On Ice has such a massive following and why the camp dial always remains at maximum. Yes, it can be tacky - but we all need a bit of glitz in our lives, especially around Christmas.

The title of this year's offering, Diamonds, lends itself to even more sparkle and razzmatazz. It was created to celebrate Holiday On Ice's 60th year and is billed as its diamond jubilee show.

The ice spectacular takes audiences through the ages. "We thought about going down the retro route but decided to go with something a bit different, to keep it as loose as possible," says Robin, who co-directed the show.

"We then thought about doing the typical diamond stuff but decided to look more at the prisms and the colours to be found in a diamond.

"So, each scene evolved around a specific person or colour. There isn't a story threading this production together and this allows us to go across the board - we can go from an American speakeasy to a pirate ship."

This flexibility and lack of an ongoing theme means Diamonds doesn't always flow quite as smoothly as previous shows - in particular last year's Hollywood, which was a huge hit because the scenes were so recognisable. Does Robin worry audiences will not find Diamonds as accessible?

"I haven't got that impression from any audiences so far. You need to try to keep things as different as you can. As long as people are smiling it doesn't really matter if they don't understand the concept of the show. There's lots of recognisable music and it's all very pretty and attractive. Each scene is self-contained."

The show starts in a diamond cave, with light streaming in all directions and five soloists each representing a colour.

We are then taken through a Twenties Speakeasy, with gangsters and flappers; Chess, set in a medieval court with kings, queens and jesters; Wacko Pizazzo, which sees artists create a giant picture, and A Sunday In The Park, based on the painting Sunday Afternoon On The Island of La Grande Jatte, by George Seurat.

This includes a working carousel and rowing boat and is Robin's favourite scene. "The costumes are hand-painted, with great attention to detail by the costume designer. I think it's a really beautiful piece."

Act two starts in a blaze of glory, with The Pirate Adventure, a scene which includes a huge galleon and battle between pirates and gypsies - and an ape. Then it's the glowing underwater fantasy before we reach the finale, The Treasure Chest, which is Holiday On Ice at its razzle-dazzling finest. There's feathers, fur, costumes that light up and fireworks, all combining in a blur of colour.

In between the large set-pieces there are solos and duets, both on the ice and in the air, from the company's world-class, principal skaters.

"We try to make sure all the dancers have a show that is challenging but possible for them to deliver every day," says Robin, whose co-director is Sarah Kawahara, an award-winning skater and choreographer who won an Emmy for the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics. She and Robin first performed together 24 years ago but this is her first Holiday On Ice.

"She knew some background but was not familiar with the show's history," Robin says. "She looked through a few brochures but didn't want to look at old videos because she wanted to come in with her own ideas and keep it fresh. It's great to have another pair of eyes."

Diamonds is now in its third and final season, having been performed all over the world. The show coming to Brighton in 2007 is already in existence and being performed somewhere in the world as we speak. Robin is now developing ideas for brand new shows.

"As long as there are newspapers and magazines, we will think up ideas. I always have my eyes and ears open. A photo can spark a great idea.

"I'm always thinking about skating. Even when I'm listening to the radio, I'm thinking 'this song would be good to skate to'."

Five UK skaters star in Diamonds, which Robin says is a "healthy number", although he says the UK still does not have enough skaters competing in international competitions.

"That's unfortunate, although we are always hoping kids will see Holiday On Ice and it will spark something."

Robin says the skaters look forward to coming to Brighton.

"Some cities we're only in for a day or two but Brighton is a long run, so they have time to see the nightlife or go shopping - they can sit somewhere for a couple of weeks."

However, it is in Germany the show draws the most crowds - the country provides 46 per cent of the show's market.

"It has this retro-kitsch appeal and audiences are getting younger.

"It's the same in France. Over there, it's the kind of show you'd take someone to on a date."

After the show's Brighton run, Robin will remain in the UK to take part in an ITV reality show, Dancing On Ice, later this month. This means he gets to spend a couple of months at home, a thought he relishes.

"I've been back three days and I went away in July," he says. "I really miss Brighton. I love being back."

But for now, it's Diamonds all the way.

"It's a cliche, but it's good old family entertainment. People say it's been going for ever and I say that's because people love going to see it.

"And we're going to keep doing more of the same."

Times vary. Tickets £10 children, £11-£25 adults. Call 0870 9009100.