YORK Barbican staff have engaged in a sword fight on the Ouse and a frantic battle on the steps at Clifford's Tower, dressed as characters from Peter Pan, to promote the Christmas ice show, Peter Pan On Ice.

Peter Pan, Captain Hook and the vengeful Crocodile commandeered a vessel from YorkBoat to entertain passers-by and give away prizes to a few lucky families.

"‘It was a very surreal experience to go from being in charge of all of the Barbican’s marketing to fighting Pan and Croc single handed, pardon the pun," says marketing assistant Seb Santabarbara, alias Captain Hook for the day.

"It really brought out the inner big kid in all of us, and that’s what the show is all about. It’s a family-friendly show designed to wow younger audience members and send adults reminiscing back to the days when they first opened J M Barrie's book or first viewed the film."

The Russian Ice Stars will present Peter Pan On Ice from December 23 to January 3, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Performances will start at 7pm on December 23, 29 and 30 and January 2; 2pm, December 24, 28 to 31 and January 2 and 3; 3pm, December 26 and 27.

The Russian skaters will be joined in the show by Minster FM presenters Ben Fry and David Green as Buccaneer Bob, the Pirate Radio news reporter.

Tickets cost £28 for adults; £17, under 16s and OAPs; £72.80, family ticket for two adults and two children, on sale on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or from the Barbican box office in person.