THE Russian Ice Stars return to Poole with their spectacular version of Beauty & The Beast performed on ice.

With eight performances from Wednesday, June 11, to Sunday, June 15, ice dance lovers have plenty of chances to enjoy their athleticism, stunning choreography and beautiful music.

The all-Russian cast is made up of former skaters who have competed at national, European, world and Olympic levels and are regarded as one of the world's finest companies.

The show is choreographed by Giuseppe Arena with original music by Silvio Amato. The lead role is taken by the company's star performer Olga Pershankova and is her final appearance as she bows out after 30 years performing on ice, following her debut, aged five.

Her co-star is Andrey Chuvilya as the Beast who is two metres tall enabling the company to boast that the show features the world's highest ice-skating lifts.

Lighthouse spokeswoman Ros Fry said: "There is a nice aspect to it in that Olga has decided to cut down her dancing a bit because she has a child and this is her swan song to the theatres of the UK. It is your last chance to see her.

"Dancing On Ice has made us realise how difficult it is to look beautiful, composed and at home on the ice. I think it is amazing - and this is spectacular and beautiful, like ballet."

Beauty & The Beast is the tale of a love affair between the beautiful Belle and the cursed prince with a heart of gold and the face of a freak.

It is also a mammoth feat to stage the show - 14 tonnes of ice are used on stage and underneath is 15 kilometres of pipe-work. It takes 140 man hours to construct the rink, which uses 1,400 litres of water.

You can see Beauty & The Beast On Ice at Lighthouse in Poole from Wednesday to Sunday, June 11 to 15. Performance times are 7.30pm on Wednesday and Friday, 2.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 1pm and 5pm on the Saturday and 1pm on the Sunday.

Ticket prices and concessions vary - call 0844 406 8666.