'Ben-Hur' photographer Anthony Crickmay

In a unique, international collaboration The Royal Ballet and Holiday on Ice have announced that they are joining forces to tour Ben-Hur, a thrilling ballet-on-ice biblical spectacular, that will open at Sadler's Wells this November.

The tour is widely believed to be a rapid response to persistent rumours that Covent Garden will not be finished until 2001, and throughout 2000 Ben-Hur will be touring extensively to the US (both coasts), the Far East - Japan (60 theatres in 50 days), Hong Kong, Singapore, Ulan Bator - and Europe (10 countries). A particular highlight will be a special nativity-week programme at the Bethlehem Coliseum in December 2000.

Ben-Hur represents a coming together of the very best of British ballet with ENB's Derek Deane agreeing to skate Ben-Hur and choreography by BRB's David Bintley. Darcey Bussell will be skating Esther, Ben-Hur's love and a servant's daughter, and Anthony Dowell, as Simonides her father.

There have been rumours of the Royal Ballet training each morning at Streatham Ice Rink - it was assumed for a new piece of Ashley Page. “It is big relief to at last be able to talk about this momentous collaboration”, said a tired-looking Sir Anthony Dowell. “Sir Fred (Frederick Ashton) often talked of his wish to create a version of Ben-Hur in the style of Les

Darcey Bussell as Esther photographer Bill Cooper

Patineurs and we are very grateful to Holiday on Ice and Daewoo for making this fabulous dream come true.”

Sony, tour supporters in the Far East, have contributed the Frank Sinatra songs to which the famous epic will be performed and ‘My Way’ is being remastered with the entire cast singing backing vocals. Designs will be by the newcomer to theatre, Eddie Stobbart. Well known to many in the UK, Eddie has a number of TV design credits to his name including ‘John Craven's Newsround’ and ‘The Price is Right’.

“I'm very thrilled” said a wrinkle-nosed Darcey Bussell as she donned her in-line skates for further training (and photo opportunity).

Daewoo are official chariot sponsors to Ben-Hur.