HOW can you top something that's already the hottest ticket in town?

Ask Stageworks Worldwide Productions director and producer Amanda Thompson whose Hot Ice show made its annual debut on Saturday in the Arena to the most tumultuous applause in more than ten years.

And it's not just the eye-popping costumes and phenomenal skating that make this a stunning piece of ice entertainment.

Last year's theatrical piece Rhythmos has been tinkered with slightly, yet still packs a powerful punch as automaton business types make way for dramatic drum-beating tribal warriors, poignant poetry and beautiful ballet-inspired moves to show that life must be savoured not swallowed by the stresses and strains of modern life.

In complete contrast the fabulously French Va Voom is vivacious, vibrant and so in vogue with colourful costumes inspired by catwalk heroes Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and Chloe.

Kicking off with catchy company number Joie de Vie in trendy monochrome, cheeky chaps in stripy tops and berets are soon peeping from behind huge doors and cigarette-smoking cool guys are dancing on and off shiny black chairs with impossible ease.

While a Christian Dior inspired Can Can is a high-kicking, fast-moving masterpiece as skirts and legs fly in the air and sensational skaters speed round the rink.

Phil Winston's ice choreography is as always faultless and an astonished audience gasped for breath as courageous couples performed a series of gravity defying lifts, turns and twists with the amazing Albert Maslov even spinning his daring partner Nadejda Barsoukova on his head.

Finnish favourite and five times champion Oula Jaaskelainen as ever grins from ear to ear and perfectly performs a personality-filled solo in top hat and tails, while the show-stopping figure of Nicky Scott is once again resplendent in a sheer black bodystocking.

But all members of the Hot Ice skating team look superb and combine to produce a scintillating performance.

Don't miss this amazing display of creative talent and sensational skating skills right on the doorstep.

Hot Ice is in the Arena at Blackpool Pleasure Beach until November 4 with evening and matinee performances. Call (0870) 444 5588 for bookings and further information.

ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT: The cast in one of their spectacular routines