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Ever since I was young, I have been a huge musical fan. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work that had me hooked, the first one was Cats I watched on stage and ever since it remained my favourite. I watched most of them – one remained only: Starlight Express. So when my husband booked the tickets as a Christmas gift for me (we do like to gift experience gift to each other, like show tickets, days outs, spa vouchers etc) I was really excited, especially that the tickets were for 31st of December and what is a better way to celebrate New Year than going to an exciting show with your family? Starlight Express was everything I expected.
What is Starlight Express About?
Starlight Express is only comparable to the other Webber musicals and maybe a little bit to Xanadu (we’ve seen that one performed o roller skates), it’s a show anyone will enjoy and it is entirely performed on roller skates as it’s about trains! Protagonist Rusty is a favourite toy of Control (a child who plays with the trains) and Rusty is about to enter The Fastest Engine In The World! – so the musical follows the story of Rusty going through with your mighty plan of proving steam engines are the best. During his quest he makes friend and enemies alike and falls in love too.
That’s the story in a nutshell, so as you can imagine, kids absolutely love the show too.
Written in 1984, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Running for 7,409 performances in London, Starlight Express is the ninth-longest-running West End show. But, as you imagine, it needs almost a purpose built theatre.
About the Wembley Production of Starlight Express
In 2024 it returned to the Troubadour in Wembley to the specially designed Starlight Auditorium, which is a perfect space for it as it’s not too big. It’s an immersive experience of musical theatre with dancing and skating. A large number of cast of 40 people performing and all of them are on skates, acting and singing incredibly.
The new choreography is by Ashley Nottingham, directed by Luke Sheppard, costumes by Gabriella Slade, just s fe members of the large cast: Jeevan Braich, Kayna Montecillo, Jade Marvin, Al Knott, Eve Humphrey, Tom Pigram, Christian Buttaci, Jamie Addison.
As you can see on my photos – you can see very well from basically every seat of the auditorium.
What I thought about it
First of all, I must say it’s never going to be my favourite Webber musical, but it’s really good fun and absolutely must see. Yes, the characters aren’t like in Cats, and for grown ups it gets a bit like watching a Cbeebies show – however the kids loved it and it is a perfect start to introduce them to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work. But the generic characters and the predictability of the story line aside: I loved it so much. I thought it was really cool, very diverse, daring in every sense of the word. They didn’t pay it just safe: the production employs all sorts to keep the audience engaged. Skating between the audience, large projectors to prop up the racing parts (so we don’t just watch the actors zooming around), pyrotechnics and the all the visuals are amazing. This production got everything right. The new songs that’s been added, like Momma’s song are really harmonic and adds an extra layer to the story. They are an upgrade. But above all: how can I not find this show absolutely amazing with all the crew performing, dancing, skating and singing? Brilliantly spectacular and fun. In my view, even the generic characters did a great job and the outcome is such a fine entertainment. The costumes are fabulous and the songs are catchy: we’ve been humming them for 2 weeks after the show. And ultimately, that’s what you want from a show. I’d watch it again tomorrow.
During the interval of Starlight Express
There are adequate number of toilets so we didn’t have to queue too long in the ladies with my daughter. It still left time to grab drinks and snacks at the bar – about 5 bar tills are open, so again, very little queueing. All very well organised. Tables and seats in the foyer to hang out and stretch during the interval plus a shop to buy official merchandise. I was tempted! The foyer is also decorated with huge disco balls hanging from the ceiling – but not just a few, a lot! It looked pretty amazing. I was also very happy to see reusable plastic cups instead for the drinks, instead of single use. And the kids enjoyed their popcorns. Bit overpriced for what it is – but you expect this.
Important to know
Although my boy who is both autistic and has ADHD found it very very immersive, almost too much of a beauty. He cried at the sad songs, he cheered for the characters, he got angry and shouted when he perceived injustice as part of the conflict part.
The actors get close to the audience because the way the auditorium was designed. There are pyrotechnics, flashing and strobe lighting effects applied, sometimes haze, simulated sparks as well as flame & smoke effects, and some very loud sound effects. If the child needs ear defenders bring them, booster seats are supplied the theatre.
You will be strictly prohibited filming or taking photos or videos during the show – however, during the very last 10 minutes when a song medley performance comes on – then you are allowed. I took all these images with the actors during that part.
Starlight Express tickets and ther info
End date: 26th October, 2025 – the London shows are now finished
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
2hr 30min. with 15min interval
Tickets from £29.50
Suitable for all ages. All children under 16 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 will not be admitted.