Disney’s still the coolest show in town

I HONESTLY thought my Disney days were behind me.

A teenage daughter, another not far off and a five-year-old boy who can’t sit down long enough to watch anything led me to think I could consign Mickey and his mates to the box of distant parenthood memories.

But suddenly it’s cool for teens and tweens to brandish Belle, Ariel and Aladdin’s Genie on bags, phones, T-shirts — you name it — once again.

So my Disney merry-go-round cranks up once more - but I have to admit the show was everything it promised to be - with an extra dollop of Disney magic thrown in.

This year the tour is celebrating “100 years of magic” featuring over 60 Disney characters from Mickey and Minnie Mouse to a pumpkin coach load of princesses.

From films such as “The Lion King”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Pinocchio” and “Toy Story”, dozens of top-class skaters in incredible costumes, glided into the Manchester Arena for a spectacular production only the big D could produce.

Mickey, Minnie and Goofy were hosts for evening, welcoming on to the ice cleverly-choreographed and impeccably-timed performances, which left the audience wanting more.

The genie, voiced by the late, great Robin Williams, was a show-stealer as 20 or so versions of the character performed a funny, acrobatic version of the “Aladdin” film’s clone scene.

An army of “Toy Story” soldiers mesmerised the crowds with their drill moves and body popping as they unwrapped Buzz from a giant present.

The princesses scene was a real hark back to traditional Disney and the “It’s a Small World” spectacular — based on the Disney theme parks’ attraction — was stunning, with amazing skating, costumes and props.

“Nemo” and “The Incredibles” left me cold but I’ve never been a fan of either films. The highlight for me was “Mulan”, with its jaw-dropping acrobatics, huge Chinese dragon and snow!

The world would be a much duller - although admittedly cheaper - place without Disney. This show is the perfect ice-breaker for the panto season.