Review: STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The last time this reviewer watched Starlight Express on stage was for its ‘3rd Dimension’ tour back in 2005. Now slightly more elaborate (we’re lying, HUGELY more elaborate), this brand new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical is being presented at purpose built venue, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, and is going back to its immersive roots whereby the performers zoom around their audience on roller skates. To quote the musical, it might be a bit “crazy” but this is a spectacle that has every chance of running for a long time in London, as it has done in Bochum since 1988, if this audience’s reaction is anything to go by.
Lloyd Webber wrote a musical about cats so, of course, he wrote one about trains too! Something of a cult classic, it does feel timely for a revival in the UK and it’s certainly not been recreated in half measures! Formerly host to Disney’s Newsies, albeit in a different format, the venue’s front of house immediately transports you to another world, playing on the sci-fi and futuristic themes echoed in the show, and further immersing you into the piece you are about to experience. It is lovely to see so many children attending too - proper family entertainment.
We don’t think it would be too controversial to say that this isn’t one of Lloyd Webber’s most accomplished works, and this is a classic example of showcasing style over substance. The style here though is undeniably impressive. Huge kudos must be given to the imagination and pure skill of Tim Hatley (set designer), Gabriella Slade (costume designer), Howard Hudson (lighting designer) and Andrzej Goulding (video designer/animator) most notably. It is a visual feast for the senses and a real collaborative piece, steered brilliantly by director Luke Sheppard.
As soon as the house lights go down, the immediate thing we loved was the physical presence of a child representing ‘Control’, here played superbly by Cristian Buttaci. He essentially orchestrates the entire performance and this consistently cements him in the centre of what is simply a story about a young boy who enjoys playing with his trains. Then, when the ‘trains’ come to life in his dream (and on stage in front of us), the audience are instantly mesmerised.
We were fortunate enough to be sat in the carriage seating at the front of the auditorium for this performance so frequently had performers whizzing around us. Slight cricked neck aside and getting a whoosh of cool air every time a performer skated at speed past us, it was thrilling and these seats really allowed us to appreciate the finer details of the design due to being in close proximity. The costumes, wigs and make-up design are award worthy, with the presentation immaculate. We must mention Electra (Tom Pigram) and their components’ surprise costume additions at the end of ‘AC/DC’ - very Harri and wouldn’t look out of place on Ru Paul’s Drag Race!
There are some updates to this production including some gender switches including casting Greaseball as a female, and having a ‘Momma’ rather than a ‘Poppa’. The jury is out as to whether this works on every level but there is much to like. There are some nice little digs at British Rail smattered throughout too, with mentions to cancellations due to staffing shortages and delays due to leaves on the track - very relatable! Also. whilst there is still very much an 80s feel to the music, there has been a modern spin placed on some of the orchestrations, which helps it feel fresh and relevant to an audience in 2024. Rusty and Pearl’s new number, ‘I Do’, is a nice addition and a bit of an earworm. Let’s face it, we’ve come to expect a new love duet with each revival - what happened to ‘Next Time You Fall In The Love’ and ‘Only You’ of previous productions?! We will say though that the lyrics in ‘I Do’ seem to fit better in context.
The predominantly young cast must have had a mountain to climb in learning the potentially high risk skill of roller skating and it’s mind blowing to think that many didn’t have any prior experience before joining this company. And in addition, they then had to introduce Ashley Nottingham’s choreography, which draws influence from many different styles. The skill and control they demonstrate when skating is as if they have been practicing for years.
It is wonderful to see so many of the cast in their professional debuts and there are definitely some stars of the future on that stage. Performers who stand out in their debut include Kayna Montecillo as Pearl, Al Knott as Greaseball, Eve Humphrey as Dinah, and Emily Martinez as Slick. 17-year-old Jeevan Braich, who plays Rusty, shows his inexperience at times. On occasion, he tries too hard with his vocals but there is a visible character arc which is nice to witness. It will be great to see where he is another five years down the line. Jade Marvin shines as Momma and her vocals during ‘Starlight Sequence’ are stunningly beautiful, with Braich performing at his best alongside her during this number. Jaydon Vijn is also a very charismatic Hydra and Skate Marshalls, Charlie Russell and Jamie Addison, greatly impress with their scooter riding skills.
A technically impressive feat, masking a somewhat flawed musical, but you are bound to leave with a smile on your face :)
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Starlight Express is currently booking at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 16 February 2025, with tickets available here.
