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May 2009 Abigail Saltmarsh Norwich Evening News |
His flying drumsticks wowed the TV watching public. Now he's heading to Norwich with a lavish ice spectacular. ABIGAIL SALTMARSH caught up with drummer Joe Blanks. Keith Moon, John Bonham, Ringo Starr - which of these world-renowned musicians would you recognize? When some members of the great British public were shown pictures of top class drummers they were most familiar with the face of young Joe Blanks. Joe, 19, first crashed his way to attention when he appeared on BBC talent show Let Me Entertain You. In three stunning performances he managed to last the crucial three minutes without the studio audience voting him off. He eventually came third in the variety contest and, despite looking every inch the rock drummer, he has taken the rather unusual step of starring in national touring ice show Cirque de Glace. “I enjoyed doing the TV show and was pretty happy with the result. In my first two heats I was the only person to keep the audience happy for the whole three minutes,” says the drummer, who was taught by Jim Chapin, coach for the legendary Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. “It was a very different thing for me to do. I'm used to playing at rock gigs where there's always a bit a pre-show party feel, with everyone getting excited backstage. “On Let Me Entertain You it wasn't the same at all. There were a lot of nerves - everyone was really tense.”
Joe was first given a drum kit at the age of 10 but he said it was a few more years before he really got into it. “It was about the time I started looking at girls. I began playing more because I thought it would really impress them,” he said. “From there Joe did manage to impress and soon began playing with different groups. And after appearing on Let Me Entertain You, he began to be recognized when he was out and about. In fact, the quick snap survey carried out on the streets, where members “I did get recognized quite a bit. Once I was in the queue in Tesco. So what are Joe's long term ambitions? Does he have ambitions of hitting the heady heights of big time rock 'n' roll eventually? “I am enjoying doing this now and do want to keep playing,” he said. “If I could perform with anyone I guess it would be with a cool rock band such as Motley Crue or Kiss - any band where I'd be able to have fireworks coming out of my drumsticks.” ICE COOL SPECTACLE Champion skaters, stunning set-pieces and superb special effects, Cirque de Glace is set to slide on to the stage at the Theatre Royal in a blaze of colour. Creative director Julian Deplidge said the show, which brings to life the story of the creation of the Earth, man's evolution and his journey to the limits of technology, features world class skaters. “These are some of the best ice skaters there are. Many are world class performers from the Olympics,” he said. “As well as that our choreographer was responsible for the opening ceremony at the Winter Olympics and our lighting designing did the lighting for the closing ceremony at the Beijing Olympics. “We have a very, very talented and creative team.” Cirque de Glace features the Russian Ice Stars who are renowned for their skill, speed and ability on the ice. And British performers associated with the show include the likes of John Hamer, who is a former British Junior “When you go to see a show at an ice rink you can end up at one end, Julian added: “I have been to Norwich on many occasions over the years - it is a great city and the theatre is a cracking venue for an ice show. “Cirque de Glace offers a good night's entertainment and the chance to really feel the raw energy of skating. |
May 2009 New Theatre Hull |
To-day we saw "Cirque De Glace" in Hull, New Theatre, what an experience. Everything was perfection, the story line, choreography, lighting, music, effects, the dancing....I could go on. Please pass on our thanks to all involved in bringing the show to us, Kind Regards |
May 2009 Phil Brady Planet Productions |
CIRQUE De Glace brings to life the story of the creation of our planet, Act one opens with a narration of Phil Waters' creative scripting on the genesis of the universe, accompanied by musical compositions as we meander through 42 billion years of evolution in less than forty minutes. Energy spawns from the spirit of the trees into creatures of verdant forests. The arrival of mankind ushers us through tribal communities as rival clans clash to the primal beat of Joe Blank's percussion, through ritual and sacrifice, weaving time and consciousness to the discovery of technology with the invention of the wheel and the manipulation of fire. Act two takes the audience into orbit, as we leave Planet Earth for mankinds giant leap into space, bringing us down again with a crash, With the finale, Festival of Life, looking to the future, the audience were exhilarated into a deserved standing ovation. This magnificent fusion of sound, visual art, costume, acrobatics, ice dancing, choreography, contortion, lighting and set design, will introduce you to some of the finest talents this world has yet to see on the arena Wild Rose guarantee to dazzle, thrill and entertain all ages. So bring the family and invite everyone you know as Swindon is graced with the talents of The Russian Ice Stars and the pleasure of Cirque de Glace. |
Apr 2009 Sands Centre Carlisle |
"The entire audience was spellbound" I have just watched your show in Carlisle , England - it was wonderful. I just wanted to let you know that the entire audience was spellbound. I hope you will come back to Carlisle in the future. Thank you for making my day Diana x |
Apr 2009 Reading Hexagon |
"Breathtaking and stunning to watch" |
Mar 2009 Swansea Grand Theatre |
"Absolutely spectacular" |
Mar 2009 Congress Theatre Eastbourne |
The Russian Ice Stars Cirque De Glace Review The trailer of this production is already enough to convince most people that this is an impressive action packed show. However, whilst the Russian Ice Stars normally eventually release their shows on DVD this is one show that needs to be appreciated live at least once. As far as ice skating goes this cast's performance honestly makes The speed these performers are able to achieve on such a small stage (in comparison to an ice skating ring) is unbelievable. But speed alone is not enough. To have that speed and perform the most complicated lifts, jumps, tricks and to do them all flawlessly is another matter. Yes I can honestly say there was not a single missed landing from any The action is non stop and the first half of the show has the bonus of multiple pyrotechnic displays in addition to effective strobe and other lighting effects. The pyrotechinics I have to say are outstanding. Never have I seen so much fire on one stage whilst that same stage is still occupied by so many performers. All I can say is there must be some effective flame retardent material in use! I'd also almost put money on somebody being just off stage fire extinguisher in hand. We were at the front and the heat from the flames was amazing - But the Russian Ice Stars are not just about skating they also have amongst them incredible gymnasts and talented contortionists performing feats that make your jaw drop with not a safety net in sight! The second half of the show is a less pyrotechnic and special effect laden affair but is no less entertaining. The reason for this is that Cirque De Glace has been so cleverly Hence the first half pyrotechical bias. The formation of the planet, erupting volcanoes, lava flows, early man, the Druids - all events to which fire has a big relevance. The second half is more about what man has done to ruin the planet. Cirque de Glace is more than an ice show. It is a show with a If I had enough money I would gladly have gone to see this show every night of it's Eastbourne run. With so many talented performers on stage there is always so much to look at that you always miss something. It was also encouraging to see Cirque De Glace had drawn in such a large audience but there was something strangely missing from that audience - children. We found this incredibly odd. If there was ever an ice show that would get kids thinking about taking up the sport this is it - yet there were no children and just a few people under 40. I can't see that one child would have gone home from this show without enjoying it. I hope a few people get to read this before the end of Cirque De Glace's tour and opt to take their children along. They will love it! The only thing I wonder about this show is how the heck the Russian Ice Stars will ever top this with their next production? Snow White, Peter Pan and Barnum are a few previous productions but as far as impressive constant entertainment, special effects, action and talent goes this show will take some beating! But when they do that next production we won't hesitate to see it. |
Mar 2009 Cheltenham Everyman |
"One of the best shows I've seen" |
Feb 2009 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre |
"Wow - What a show!" |
Feb 2009 Canterbury Marlowe Theatre |
"The most amazing spectacle we've ever seen" |
Feb 2009 Southend Cliffs Pavillion |
"This production was out of this world" |
Feb 2009 The Lowry Salford |
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Feb 2009 Helen Jones Whats on Stage |
Review - Cirque De Glace - The Lowry It’s easy to run out of superlatives when trying to describe the sheer spectacle that is Cirque de Glace. From the heart pounding opening to its stunning and memorable close, this is an amazing combination of circus skills, ice skating and storytelling. A sequence of scenes in Act 1 take us from the first explosive creation of the Earth, through to life developing, man’s appearance and his ability to create fire. Act 2 describes the corruption of the world through pollution The Earth is represented by a globe topped by supple contortionist, Valerie Murzak, as Gaia. Her evocative routines at points throughout the show give provide soul to Gaia and Mother Earth. For most of the show ice skaters move around the stage with style and ease. The Russian Ice Stars, who are the major performers, are all highly skilled skaters. But their real skill is combining the technical side of their skating with the beautifully choreographed dance movements which create the real lasting images of the show. Although the skating provides the bulk of the performance, there are stunning circus style performances from other artists. The aerial work on the show causes gasps of amazement from the audience. The primary female acrobat, Ekatarina Belokopytova, and one male, Alexander Belokopytov, spin and drop from a variety of ribbons, hoops and ropes. There is also a swing sequence by Svetlana Murzak, which again is excellently done, leaving you breathless. Special mention must also be made of Yulia Kovina. Her skill with a large number of hoops is undeniable but is outclassed by her hoola with a ring The other main circus style act is a bar work sequence. Two young men perform jumps and somersaults from the bar held between the shoulders This skill and drama are enhanced by stunning costumes designed by Svetlana Murzak, a minimalist but meaningful narration by Phil Walters Overall this is a truly incredible evening’s entertainment for the whole family, so get your skates on! |
Jan 2009 Oxford New Theatre |
"Totally mesmerised" |
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Jan 2009 Lesley Reynolds I-skate magazine |
Cirque de Glace is so much more than just an ice show I really don't know whether to review this as an ice show or not. lt is so much more than that, though I was rather sad to see the audience in Dunstable react with greater enthusiasm to the non-skating acts than to the skaters. I guess the average person just doesn't appreciate the the technical skill involved in the lifts, spins and jumps (double axels and a couple of brave triples on a theatre-stage size and often crowded ice pad). Former three-time British Champion John Hamer is one of the few non-Russian skaters in the Russian lce Stars and I have to admit to trying to spot him in each scene - not difficult, having followed his progress for so many years. A brief chat between shows confirmed he was thoroughly enjoying being with the company and had learned a lot. lt was obviously extremely hardwork and he was continually losing weight. My favourite scenes were the blue butterflies, the portrayal of stone age man (lots of opportunities for the skaters to over-act!), and the city types in their suits working harder, faster and longer. As well as the aforesaid butterflies, the all-red costumes in the opening volcano scene were particularly effective. Throughout the clothes reflected the story being told, as did the skating - the movement and choreography of Cavaliere Giuseppe Arena creating the required mood each time. (Cavaliere is the ltalian equivalent of a knighthood and, for those who did not know, Giuseppe Arena is no stranger to ice as he choreographed ceremony the opening of the Turin Olympics and various competitive programmes as well as working in the ballet world for many years). The development of life was portrayed by skaters in black carrying illuminated from amoebae to fish, etc. Using back shapes projection throughout the storytelling, to enhance the moon landing and space walk scene was particularly effective. The back projection brings highlight me to the non-skating of the show. Two burly men in hi-viz jackets and carrying chainsaws were pretending to cut down the rainforests. They then balanced between them what looked like a narrow plank of wood (on one shoulder each).This turned out to be known as the Russian Bar and two others performed amazing leaps, somersaults - landing each time on the flexible bar to Grove Theatre, Dunstable gasps from the audience. were aerial acts on ropes, silk ropes, Other features a "cloudswing" and German Wheel as well as a hula-hoop act (with fire). Some of the cast had also learnt to use fire apparatus Gaia on a giant ball as well as skate. Portraying which was the earth, a contortionist acted out the birth and agonies that the planet goes through in its history. Everyone was skilful in his/her own discipline, great the flyers showing strength sometimes. My only gripe: the spotlight that shone out into the audience from the stage, at times it was just too bright, dazzling me and preventing my seeing absolutely everything. Don't go to Cirque de Glace expecting something like Disney or Holiday lf I get the opportunity I would like to see it again in order to concentrate more on the skills of the skaters-though not really fair to single any one out, Andrey Chuvilyaev is so tall you can't miss him(he's6ft 7in), and Valdis Mintals (who skated pairs internationally with Viktoria Shklover, for Estonia also in the company) is very strong and a confident jumper. I have commented before about the strength of basic training that makes so |
Jan 2009 Holly Whitmill Warwick Today |
Cirque de Glace ice show, Spa Centre, Leamington Jaw-dropping somersaults, great skating and a story with a message They also 'dance' with real verve and style and with the use of cables literally fly and spin above the stage. But ice-skating is not all this production has to offer. Acrobats twist around lengths of material high above the ice with no safety net, to fall suddenly then be caught in its cunningly entwined folds. There is also impressive gymnastics on a narrow flexible plank - the physical talents of the show's cast is amazing. All these spectacular feats and more are used to tell the story of the world - from its birth after the big bang, through the evolution of the The journey takes in cave men, the invention of the wheel, deforestation and the landing of man on the moon along the way. At one point there is even a projection of trucks dumping waste into a landfill site. One of my favourite scenes involved the skaters dressed in suits and acting like businessmen and women with a speeded up city scene behind. I don't think there can be many shows that are so educational, fun and beautiful to watch at the same time. Should not be missed. |
Dec 2008 King's Lynn Corn Exchange |
"your show was absolutely brilliant - it blew us away!" |
Dec 2008 |
Cirque de Glace It’s an epic journey - from the formation of the Earth 4.5 billion years ago, through the origins of life, the birth of man, the discovery of fire and the wheel, the rise of consumerism and the threat of climate change. But Cirque de Glace takes it at a sprint in a two-hour show with no more excess weight or padding than any of its 30-odd, razor-honed performers. Gorgeously dressed, against a backdrop of moving projections, with a rumbling narration and lively soundtrack of contemporary music, there is no room for arty pretension as the set-piece stunts follow each other in rapid succession. Among the standout moments are contortionist Valerie Murzak, performing with the slow-motion grace of an angel atop a globe, Yulia Kovina spinning a flaming hula hoop around herself and a Russian bar routine that finds Aliaksei Dudko and Denis Kiselev somersaulting at breathtaking altitudes. But then, there is seldom a moment when something jaw-dropping isn’t happening in a show that surely sets a new benchmark for both ice dancing and circus. |
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Dangerous, beautiful, compelling! |
Nov 2008 Lowestoft Marina Theatre |
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Nov 2008 |
Ice Stars on Fire! They say if you think your end is near, your whole life flashes before you. I had several flashbacks as I sat mesmerised in the front row at the Marina Theatre whilst the Cirque de Glace Russian ice stars gave a complete definition to the term ‘ice spectacular’! These near death experiences would include Alexander Belokopytov whirling from a rope above the ice while his skate blades skimmed past my nose. (My wife says she has told me a million times not to exaggerate!). Later when he reprised this amazing stunt, but with the equally adept airborne acrobat Ekaterina Belokopytova hanging from his feet in a splits configuration, spinning so fast the ice flecks from their skates probably reached the balcony.
On a totally different level Aliaksei Dudko and Denis Kiselev performed incredible gymnastics on apparatus new to me called the Russian Bars. This equipment appears to be four drainpipes covered in a hessian carpet. About fifteen feet long it is balanced on the shoulders of what looked like two champion weight lifters. The spring in this bar catapults the acrobats high above the ice where they achieve amazing body twists and double somersaults. Astounding! And there is a bonkers drummer doing an extremely good impression of the Muppets’ Animal, at one time using his head on the kit!
But my personal favourite - the irrepressable Yulia Kovina (think Kylie on ice). Remember hoola hoops? Well this lady had got multi-hoola magic. Tricks you wouldn’t think possible, especially the blazing hoola hoop of fire. As she twirled while the blazing hoop spun round her body I couldn’t see how she was going to escape. How did she? You need to see this for yourself. The whole show has a modern environmental message demonstrated by travelling through time to look at the history of our Planet Earth. As it says in the beautifully reproduced programme, “an amazing creation”. You have five more opportunities to sit back and wonder at this show over the weekend. |
