Dance: Peter Pan on Ice

10:12am Thursday 5th April 2007

Peter Pan on Ice tour director Julian Deplidge has worked with ice skating productions for nearly 15 years, but insists his motivation to put on the best possible spectacle will never diminish.

And as he prepares to bring the hit ice adaptation of the J M Barrie classic to the Fairfield Halls, which is expertly brought to life by the Russian Ice Stars, he says he is still as determined as ever to give the paying public value for money.

He says: "You do not have much choice but to remain focused and motivated. When all the young girls turn up dressed as Tinkerbell and the young lads dressed up as Peter Pan, that is all the motivation I need."

The tour director admits persuading people to spend their hard earned money to come and watch a theatrical performance is becoming increasingly difficult, meaning the theatre industry needs to raise the bar and push the boundaries of performance art.

"Theatre is a dying interest in the UK, particularly since the introduction of things like DVDs," says Julian.

"But I have noticed a resurgence in theatre in the last eight to 10 years and, to me, that's because the quality of the productions has increased."

Having worked with world class skaters for the past 14 years, Julian admits he has developed an huge respect for the ice dancers - even the celebrity gluttons for punishment who took part in TV show Dancing on Ice.

"The guy that came second in this year's one, Andre Lipanov, actually toured with us and he is a quality skater," he said.

"What the guys do is unbelievable. We had Torvill and Dean come to one of our shows and they were amazed at what the cast do in such a small space.

"Obviously the pros on Dancing on Ice are all fantastic skaters but I have to take my hat off to the celebrities.

"What they achieved in a few months I have not been able to do in 14 years working on ice."

Julian insists he does not feel any animosity towards the skating cast - despite them taking the majority of the accolades at the end of each performance.

"I have no problems with the skaters taking the plaudits for the simple reason that they deserve it," he said.

"Of course it is hard work for myself and other members of the team that work behind the scenes but the skaters are amazing and they have to work so hard. They rehearse five times a week."

Despite being involved behind the scenes, Julian insists he still feels nervous on the opening night of a production.

He said: "We all have an important role to play in putting the show on and we are all in the same boat when it goes on show so I guess opening night nerves are only natural."

• Peter Pan on Ice; Wednesday to Sunday, April 11-15; 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Fairfield Halls; 020 8688 9291; fairfield.co.uk.