Starlight Express

The Race Is On!

Starlight Express is officially back on track, in this brand-new site-specific production, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the show's debut in 1984. With music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics from Richard Stilgoe, it's a thrilling, steam-powered adventure that sees trains of all types compete to become the fastest engine in the world.

With an all-new creative team, including director Luke Sheppard, set designer Tim Hatley, costume designer Gabrielle Slade, and  Arlene Phillips, and an exciting futuristic twist, don't wait to get your skates on for this much-anticipated revival!

The cast will once again be skating on stage, and all around the audience in this specially created production for Wembley's Turbine Theatre. Alongside epic projections, some brand new songs, and more, it's going to be big and bold - as fitting for such a legendary show.

Right Place, Right Time

First staged in London in 1984 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre (now home to Wicked) Starlight Express was an instant classic. With actors whizzing around the stage singing the show's iconic songs such as the titular 'Starlight Express', 'Only You', and 'I Am The Starlight' it offered a heady experience to be enjoyed by audiences old and young. 

While the London production closed in 2002 (making it the West End's 9th longest-running musical), the show found new life in the town of Bochum, Germany, where it has now played since 1988 continuously, attracting over 20 million visitors.

What is the story?

Concerning a child's train set come to life, Starlight Express introduces us to a world where trains and coaches gear up to compete to become the world's fastest engine. Into this arena steps Rusty, a beaten-up old steamtrain. Can steam win out in the world of diesel freight trains and zippy new electric vehicles? Rusty certainly thinks so!