TAKE a well-loved fairy tale, a helping of Russian ice skaters and a sprinkling of 80s TV chef Rustie Lee. Now leave to cool and you have the ingredients for Snow White on Ice at the Pavilion.

The timeless story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple is brought to life on a frozen theatre stage in the Pavilion theatre. The show features a dazzling display of world class skating from the Russian Ice Stars.

They perform breathtaking aerial aerobatics with mesmerising choreography from World, European and Olympic competitors on the spectacular set. The show started yesterday and skates on until Sunday.

Playing the role of Fairy Tale Reporter is Rustie Lee, who is best known for her infectious laughter and effervescent personality that first burst on to the breakfast sofa of TV-AM. More recently Rustie has graced our screens on Channel Five’s Celebrity Super Spa, ITV’s award-winning comedy Benidorm, BBC1’s EastEnders and Doctors.

The Guide caught up with Rustie ahead of the opening night at the Pavilion: “I’m completely in awe of the incredible talent that The Russian Ice Stars possess. It’s an amazing thing to put an ice rink on a stage. The speed they go at, I keep thinking they’re going to fall off the edge.

“Although I was surprised to be asked to do it actually, as I can’t ice skate,” says Rustie with a booming laugh.

Inside the Pavilion theatre, the temperature is on the chilly side as you’d expect with a frozen stage. Not that Rustie is complaining.

“It’s very cold, but I like it as I’m always hot!” adds Rustie with another explosion of laughter.

The production follows the storyline of the original Brothers Grimm fairytale.

“It’s not the Disney version. People come expecting Disney, but it’s the original Grimm Tales. It tends to be a little bit darker, so I’m there lightening it up. I have a laugh here and there, making it more child-friendly,” says Rustie, 62.

Vee Deplidge of Deplidge UK Productions pioneered the concept of theatre on ice in 1991.

By creating ballet on ice productions, designed to fit theatre stages throughout the world, they allow audiences an un-paralleled view of stunning skating in the comfort of theatres.

Since then, The Russian Ice Stars have performed across the world and were even invited to perform for Prince Rainier in Monaco in honour of the 50th anniversary of his reign.

Vee says: “While watching an ice show in 1991, I thought how spectacular it would be to combine the speed and danger of skating with the beauty of ballet.

“I had always loved theatre and transferring it to the ice allows for a new range of movement and a much broader appeal to be added to the traditional interpretation of popular stories. The end result is truly magnificent.”

Snow White on Ice runs at the Pavilion Theatre until Sunday. To book tickets call 0844 406 8666 or visit bsolive.com