ALL ABOARD STARLIGHT EXPRESS: MUSICAL MAYHEM ON WHEELS

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

If you’re after sparkle, speed, and a serious visual spectacle, Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is for you. As the show celebrates its one-year anniversary in London, it’s clear this reimagined production has no plans of slowing down. It’s packed with neon-soaked visuals, glittering costumes, and a cast who somehow manage to sing, act, and fly around on roller skates. It’s a chaotic, high-energy fever dream of a musical in the best way.

You honestly have to be in awe of the level of skill required to pull this performance off. Singing, dancing, and acting alone are incredible skills. But doing it while skating uphill, backwards, and in full choreo mode is something else entirely. The cast are machines, and I’m not just talking in their role as trains. Their stamina, agility, and control are beyond impressive. I can’t even stand up in skates, let alone spin and belt out vocals.

The venue itself is also part of the experience. The Troubadour has been custom fitted for the production, and even the bar gives you a hint of what’s to come. Think disco balls and colourful lighting before you even step foot in the auditorium. The immersive staging means no matter where you sit, you’ve got a great view. But the energy from the lower seats where the cast skate past you is next level.

Visually, it’s a lot! I have to admit there were moments where I found myself thinking, “Okay, we could dial this down a notch.” It’s definitely not one for anyone with light sensitivity. But I get it; they’re creating the magical, dreamlike world of a child’s toy train set coming to life. Subtlety is not the vibe for Starlight Express.

The costumes are bold, bright, and beautifully detailed. Each character has a distinct look, and the cast wear them like second skins. It’s giving “Tron meets drag race with a dash of toy store”, and I was here for it. If you’re unfamiliar with the plot, I would advise reading up a bit beforehand. My friend was very confused and had a lot of questions at intermission.

One small gripe was that clarity of some vocals. I really struggled to make out what the Electric characters were singing. It was quite muffled, especially when paired with the music and visual overload. It’s a shame because it takes you out of the moment. But in comparison, some songs were really catchy, especially the classic “Light At The End Of The Tunnel”.

Overall? Starlight Express is a theatrical thrill ride. Massive props to the cast, who don’t let up for a second. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer commitment of it all. If you’re after a traditional theatre experience, this might not be your bag. But if you’re up for something bold, creative, and unlike anything else on the West End, hop aboard the Starlight Express.

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Photo Credit: Pamela Raith