

Annually since
the Gosport Ice Rink doors opened to the public in 1989 a show
has been performed on the ice. Bournemouth's Ice Skating Club
started what has now become Gosport's tradition, and every year
those involved strive to improve on the previous years show; a
task which becomes increasingly more difficult to achieve.s="MsoNormal" align="left">
1990's two
night show, 'Skating Though the Seasons', was followed in '91
and '92 by one performance gala's, set up, performed and
dismantled all in three hours (though many more hours were spent
organising and choreographing the shows). These shows, though
small in comparison to today's, gave many their first experience
of performing to an audience. The three shows were, in the main,
skated and organised by members of the Gosport Ice Skating Club,
but enjoyed by many more who watched in awe at the marvels of
their offspring. They certainly hold fond memories and started
many a friendship.
The
introduction of tiered seating (at great expense) in 1993 gave
rise to the rinks' first multi-performance show, 'Around the
World on Ice', featuring Anita Curtis of “Holiday on Ice” fame,
whose appearance and style has encouraged others to pursue
careers as professional skaters.
The following
year saw 'Showtime on Ice' open another show of skating to the
best from the musicals, and also the introduction of Porta-Cabin
city, built just in time for the dress rehearsal. This mammoth
construction task, gave the cast of approximately 100, somewhere
to change in relative comfort, and employs a 80 ton all-terrain
crane to lift the Porta-Cabins and Containers in and out; a
logistical nightmare which has become an annual occasion.
Shortly after
the '94 show a team was formed to assist in the organisation and
direction of the ice rinks' major annual event. 'This small band
of willing volunteers, many who've helped since the beginning,
created another magnificent show, ‘Skating Through Time',
managing to maintain the high standards set the previous year.
No one would
believe that the '96 show, 'Variety Box', could surpass the
excellence of the '95 show; however through sheer hard work and
determination by all concerned it was reputed to be 'the best
show yet'.
More coming
soon!
Gosport Ice
Show hopes that you enjoy the show and continue to give your
support for years to come. To advertise, the main aims of the
Gosport Ice Show are to promote skating, encourage those
involved to enjoy the show and make friends, and to provide a
show to the public which is as least as good as the previous
year, and in pursuit of these aims we are always looking for new
blood to assist the team, be it making costumes, building props,
or just to make the tea. If you would like to become involved in
next years production please contact the Producer, Barrie Dawson
here.
Mal Jackson,
Secretary and
Stage Manager (1997)