Starlight Express

Review by Richie Simpson, Presenter of Theatreland on RWS FM 103.3.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’ is famous for the actors on roller skates telling a story about trains having a race, and it’s one of those productions that any musical fanatic should probably see at some point.

As a musical lover it is a show that I can now tick off my list - and that is all.

As an audio-visual experience, this show is stunning. The exquisite sound design, grandiose lighting and immersive set combine to caress your senses, while the intricately designed costumes and wigs highlight the skills of the creatives and crew.

Furthermore, the fresh cast (most are making their professional debuts in this production) give their all in a show that must at times be quite terrifying to perform in considering the number of stunts.

I would not be surprised if this show receives awards for its production values.

However, once the initial appreciation for the production values wears off, it is clear that none of it can conceal the feeling that this just isn’t a very good musical.

For all its spectacle - and it is a spectacle - the all-round experience simply doesn’t make up for the lack of substance in the source material.

I could have easily left at the interval.

Save for two songs (the title track and “I Do”) and some excellent guitar riffs, the score is rather generic pop rock with little to make you feel something. Meanwhile, although I am thrilled to see representation in the cast - as is becoming more and more common in theatre - the characters are somewhat one-dimensional and the plot is non-existent.

Having said all of this, as a day out with the family, or as an introduction to theatre for a young child, Starlight Express ticks all the boxes. When I attended, there were many families in the audience and the children were clearly loving it. Evidently, this show can capture the imagination of all those young people who are the future of musical theatre - for that reason, perhaps the show should be commended and keep its place in the musical theatre canon.

But, personally, I’ll wait for the replacement bus.

Starlight Express is playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London. Now booking for 2025.