The hit Lloyd Webber musical from the 90s is making a comeback with its revival that rolled into London in summer 2024. I went to see Starlight Express at the Troubadour Theatre on Wednesday 6th November 2024.
The story of the show is simple, and that was my main struggle with it, it’s a train race. Rusty, an old steam train takes on the new trains in a battle that’s all about speed, while he also fall in love with a new train. This is the part that I thought was a step too far, trains falling in love…
As we entered the auditorium it felt a lot smaller than it did when it was housing Newsies previously. The actors are all on roller skates and the ‘track’ goes all around with seats inside it. The layout is similar to that of the Starlight Express Theatre in Bochum which is a custom built arena for the show.
The lighting was one of the most successful elements for me, I really enjoyed the ‘stars’ in on of the later numbers. The lighting felt clean and crisp throughout the show. The LED screens were used very well but they didn’t relay on it like some shows do. I loved the live camera feed being shown on the screen during the races across from the leader board, the change of angle gave likeness to that of motorsport we see on TV today.
I loved the restyle of the costumes and they were very bright and fun however up close they do look a little tacky and some already looking quite worn. Greaseball was for sure my favourite costume and her wig was awesome. Electra also felt very modern and sleek, the backpacks in his opening number were sensational I loved them, even though I nearly go hit by one! Personally I feel to complete Electras look they should have used blade skates, as he has a modern look with chunky old style skates on, but the light up wheels were a nice touch.
The music, this is what really disappointed me. I am not a Lloyd Webber fan so expected to be disappointed and I really was. Not only are lines recycled in songs the songs themselves are recycled, I believe Starlight Express is sang 4 times in one way or another. The new songs ‘Crazy’ and ‘Hydogen’ seemed very thrown together being the most repetitive; though they are the two songs I remember they have very little substance. And the rapping… well I think we should just leave that to Lin Manuel-Miranda.
Despite the poor material the performers were excellent, though I did feel hiring skaters to do the tricks rather than teaching some of the cast was a bit of a shortcut. I know the Bochum productions often features tricks from the performers and with some of the cast having been in that production I was expecting at least a couple. On that note I feel you could really see who was more competent on the skates and who was new to it, Jayden Vijn (pictured below) was an absolute natural and was amazing to watch. Other you could tell were a bit more tentative but hopefully their skills will progress as they gain more expensive over the run.
Rusty and greaseball, played by Jeevan Braich and Al Knott, were the stand out performer for me. Jeevan has such a strong and powerful voice at such a young age, I look forward to seeing his career develop. Greaseball I feel is almost meant to be an enemy but she was my favourite. Her vocals were strong but also her comedic timing and acting really shine and make for an exceptional performance.
Overall I’m frustrated, I really wanted to love it seeing it live and to be blown away by the production but I was just left disappointed. The idea of a musical on roller skates where the audience is immersed in the action is a money maker but for me the music and story really let it down. I can see why it was a huge hit in the 90s but wonder if maybe that’s just where it belongs.