BIRMINGHAM'S Hippodrome Theatre will be transformed with the building of an ice-rink when The Imperial Ice Stars arrive on Tuesday to perform the magical Sleeping Beauty on Ice.

Fourteen thousand litres of water will be pumped into the theatre, together with 2,500 litres of anti freeze to prepare the 14 tons of ice at a temperature of minus 15 degrees; a process that takes 37 hours in all.

Described as "a purely theatrical extravaganza for all ages", the show tells the classic story of Princess Aurora and a handsome Prince.

A spokesman explains: "With Carabosse, the wicked black fairy, casting a deadly spell, Aurora's only hope of true happiness lies with the Lilac Fairy. The rest is fairytale history."

Set to Tchaikovsky's famous score, a cast of 23 Olympic, World, National and European Championship skaters will perform ice skating lifts, jumps and spins choreographed by Titiana Tarascova, coach of seven Olympic gold medallists.

World Champion, European Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Mandy Woetzel stars in the production, which has lavish backdrops and scenery designed by Eamon D'Arcy who was production designer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Sleeping Beauty on Ice runs from Tuesday to Saturday, February 8-12, evenings at 7.30pm with Wednesday and Thursday matinees at 2pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £12-£32.50 available from the box office on 0870 730 1234 or online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com