Buckle up for a dazzling reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express as the iconic show returns to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, transformed for the 21st century.
From steam trains to space age
Director Luke Sheppard ditches any notion of Starlight Express being outdated. His vision blends industrial chic with futuristic racetracks that wind around the audience, creating a state-of-the-art, planetarium-meets-roller-disco experience. Hold on tight for thrilling action on ramps, tunnels, and even a vertiginous central drop! The visual feast continues with Gabriella Slade's stunning costumes. Characters wear a striking combination of colourful body armour and sleek Lycra. The lighting and video effects create a captivating space that feels like a dazzling cosmos.
But Starlight Express isn't just about spectacle. At its heart lies a heartwarming underdog story. Rusty, a charming steam engine (Jeevan Braich), battles the arrogant diesel Greaseball (Al Knott) to win the love of the beautiful carriage Pearl (Kayna Montecillo). Themes of friendship, self-belief, and overcoming adversity shine through the high-octane roller-skating action.
A refreshing twist comes with the gender-swapping of key characters. The confident Al Knott portrays Greaseball, while the powerful Momma (Jade Marvin) replaces the veteran steam engine Poppa. The young cast, brimming with energy and athleticism, brings the world of Starlight Express to life.
Sure, the plot might be simple and the lyrics a bit cheesy, but who needs Shakespeare when you have a show this surprisingly moving and full of roller-disco magic? Starlight Express is a sensory overload of brilliant costumes, captivating music, and acrobatics on wheels. It's a show that will leave you amazed by its theatrical audacity.
Starlight Express London review | What the critics think
"Luke Sheppard’s bravura makeover of the 1984 rollerskating musical is out of this world."
— Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
"The authors have done sterling work to make this 1980s dinosaur chime with a 21st-century audience without losing any of its power."
— Paul Vale, The Stage
"Updated with references to net zero, the 1984 musical is back on track in all its outlandish glory."
— Arifa Akbar, The Guardian
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