Dance/Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock ‘n’ roller-skates sensation is one of his most successful musicals. Light years ahead of the rest, STARLIGHT EXPRESS is a futuristic tale about love, rivalry and hope in the face of adversity, delivering two hours of speed, energy, 3D spectacle, daredevil stunts and turbo-charged excitement.

Originally conceived as a cartoon story for his own children, Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece tells the story of a child’s dream, in which toy trains come to life and compete to become the fastest engine in the world, while also competing for the affections of the glamorous coaches with whom they must ‘couple-up’.

With the entire cast of 28 on roller skates, STARLIGHT EXPRESS continues to astound audiences with its speed and skill, showcasing extraordinary roller-choreography from the renowned West End choreographer Arlene Phillips. The story hurtles along against a backdrop of high-tech staging, 3D projection, special effects and a pulsating score. The high-voltage Lloyd Webber/David Yazbek soundtrack draws inspiration from numerous music styles, from rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, rap, country and western, and contemporary pop acts.

The challenge of designing and creating costumes that resemble different types of trains, while providing full movement and a degree of protection for the actor, resulted in ground-breaking designs. The show’s dazzling costumes and sets, by the legendary West End designer John Napier, have won numerous awards – two Drama Desk Awards, for Outstanding Set Design and for Outstanding Costume Design in 1987, and the Tony Award for Best Costume Designer in 1987.

The original West End production of STARLIGHT EXPRESS electrified the theatre world in 1984, running for almost 18 years. Since then there have been a further seven major productions, including Broadway, USA/Canada Tour, Las Vegas, Japan, Australia/Japan Tour, Mexico and Germany, where the show is still running after 25 years. So far more than 25 million people worldwide have enjoyed a thrilling ride aboard STARLIGHT EXPRESS.
This production of STARLIGHT EXPRESS comes direct from a highly successful UK tour. It is produced by Bill Kenwright and by special arrangement with The Really Useful Group in association with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.

CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, James Cundall says “STARLIGHT EXPRESS was a ground-breaking show when it burst onto the theatre scene in the 80s, and it still blows people away today! Not only is it unique, being performed entirely on roller skates, but the story is a powerful lesson about the triumph of the human spirit, the underdog competing against stronger and faster competition, and winning the girl! It’s the ultimate feel-good show.”