MAGICAL, mysterious and mesmerising – the enchanting Beauty and the Beast on Ice captivated the crowds on Saturday at the Pavilion.

The Russian Ice Stars put on a flawless one and a half hour performance full of charm, expertise and elegance.

There were slick, well choreographed moves, exhilarating gymnastic-style acts and twirling batons of fire through a haze of dry ice.

Special mentions should go to some stunning single-handed lifts and spins. Although the highlight was a female dancer spinning on the head of one male performer.

Sets were cleverly changed as if they were pages being turned in a book as the classic story of how the beast fell in love and turned into a prince unfolded purely through dance and music rather than words.

It was all about creating the right mood and atmosphere.

And although it was freezing outside, the audience was left with a nice, warm feeling as the excellent grand finale got a deserved rapturous reception.