Sid, Manny, Diego, Scrat, Ellie, Peaches and all our other favourite glacial buddies from Ice Age will be coming to life on actual ice this month when Ice Age Live! starts its tour down under! We caught up with one of the talented skaters of the show, Vicki Usherwood, ahead of the tour to discuss the show, skating and visiting Australia.
Can you give us a little bit of an overview of what to expect from Holiday on Ice’s “Ice Age Live” and your role in the show?
Ice age Live! A Mammoth Adventure will bring all your favourite Ice age characters live on stage in the coolest show ever!. I am an ice-skater and I perform in the show, we also have martial artist, gymnasts and aerialists performing high up in the air. There is something for all the family to see, you will see stunts and tricks and special effects, and of course get up close and personal with all your ice age friends from the movies. Sid, peaches, Diageo, Scrat and even some new characters, some of them Ice Skate too!
Ice Age… on ice. Does it make it easier to perform in a show that is sort of in its natural habitat haha? As opposed to Peter Pan for example.
Performing an ice skating show on ice, set in the ice age definitely helps the performers, as we believe we are actually there, especially as we are preforming along side Many and Ellie who are life size mammoths ! They are huge ! A lot of special effects are used to help create the feeling of being in the ice age, there is snow, fog, and brilliant lighting that transforms the ice pad into different places for different sciences. You wont feel like your in Australia when your watching the show!
What do you most enjoy about skating with Holiday on Ice?
I have performed with Holiday on Ice for many years and one of the perks is all the traveling I have managed to do. Ice age is on a world tour and I love to visit new places. Holiday on ice creates spectacular shows, with fabulous costumes and brilliant sets. I love ice age because we are telling story. I love to entertain the children and its very rewarding to be part of something so special
What are the main differences being in a show like this compared to competing as an ice dancer?
It is very different being in the ice shows and competing. When you compete you train very hard all year for a competition season, however in the show I must be at the top of my game every day and sometimes three times a day. The biggest difference is the audience, having a crowd clapping and cheering and seeing all the smiling children makes my job a lot easier.
What are you most looking forward to about visiting Australia?
I am so excited to visit Australia! First of all I am from England and it’s very cold so I am looking forward to a nicer climate. I can’t wait to meet the people as I have heard they are all so friendly. I am very excited to see all the famous land marks Australia has to offer, I hope I have time to see everything!
Is it difficult to maintain a routine of fitness and diet while on tour? Or is it easier as everyone around you is also in a similar position?
The show is very strenuous so working out is difficult to fit in around work. Our cast is full of different disciplines and back grounds so we all help each other with new exercise ideas and stretches. It’s nice to be part of a group who are heath conscious and are encouraging to help everyone reach their personal goals.
You also study with Open University while touring. How do you keep that balanced?
I have to be very disciplined to study on tour. We sometimes have long travel days which is a great opportunity to study. I am in the perfect place to study my subject of sports massage and human biology a lot of the performers are interested in my studies and many have studied similar subjects, so often we have discussions about things.
And finally, if you could skate any fictional character who would it be?
I’d be super woman because she is strong and can fly.
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Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure will start its Australian tour at the end of this month, visiting Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. For more details and to book visit www.ticketek.com.au
Pictures supplied and used with permission.
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