Error costs Dunedin ice spectacular

A shipping error has forced the cancellation of the shows of Sleeping Beauty on Ice in Dunedin and Christchurch next month.

Imperial Ice Stars co-producer James Cundallof said he was ''gutted'' to have been let down by the shipping company.

''We are letting down so many theatre-goers in Dunedin and Christchurch who had bought tickets for Sleeping Beauty on Ice.

''We have wanted to bring shows to the South Island for a long time now, returning to Christchurch after the earthquakes and bringing our show to Dunedin for the first time. To be thwarted by logistics that are beyond our control is both devastating and really frustrating.''

Described by promoters as incorporating ''lavish new costumes, sumptuous sets, spectacular flying sequences and dramatic fire effects'', the show was scheduled for a four-day run at Dunedin's Regent Theatre in mid-June.

Containers carrying the set, staging, ice rink, sound and light equipment were shipped from London on April 27 and reached the port of Cartagena in Colombia on May 12.

The shipping containers were set to arrive into Auckland on June 2, in plenty of time for the opening of the show on June 11 in Dunedin.

'However, due to congestion at Cartagena the ship that was to have picked up the containers was not able to stop as planned, causing extensive disruption to cargoes destined for Australia and New Zealand.''

The show had toured in 22 countries across five continents for more than 10 years.

''We have never had this happen to us before. It goes without saying that we will be seeking a full explanation from the shipping company.''

The shipping containers left Cartagena yesterday and arrive into Auckland on June 17 June, he said.

''We are greatly relieved that we can perform our Auckland and Wellington seasons. We apologise profusely to all who were looking forward to seeing us in Dunedin and Christchurch, and will of course be refunding all ticket sales.

''We will do our best to bring The Imperial Ice Stars to the South Island as soon as we can reschedule a season.''

To obtain a refund, call Regent Theatre on (03) 477 8597 or visit the theatre box office. 

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