September 3rd 2024.
The long-awaited return of Starlight Express has finally arrived in London after 19 years, and it is nothing short of a dazzling and brilliant show. The Troubadour Theatre in Wembley has undergone a stunning transformation to house this iconic 80s musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The plot may seem a bit bizarre - a group of trains competing in races inside a child's imagination - but the experience is truly a spectacle.
The new production boasts a spectacular set, impressive lighting and video effects, and costumes that are so campy they're almost endearing. And let's not forget the music, with melodies that have stood the test of time and will stick with you for years to come. But what truly sets this performance apart is the literal danger involved. We're talking about dancers skating at high speeds, performing daring stunts like 360 scooter flips. In fact, our performance had to be paused for ten minutes to fix a small section of the stage racetrack. But the audience, having already been wowed by the breathtaking opening number, understood the necessity of the repair.
It's no secret that Starlight Express has always been known for its intentional crashes, even choreographed into the Broadway production. This added an element of uncertainty for the audience, never knowing if a crash was real or not. As one critic put it, "Andrew Lloyd Webber was trying to kill people here." But in this new and improved version, the character of Greaseball steals the show. There have been some changes, such as Control being played by a charming young actor on stage and some songs being omitted. However, the catchy tune "Hydrogen" remains a fan favorite.
The added scenes also give more depth to the protagonist, Rusty, and his pursuit of the elegant first-class carriage, Pearl. The actors playing these train characters, Braich and Montecillo, give stunning performances while flawlessly skating around the track. They are definitely names to watch out for in the future. And when the song "Whistle at Me" plays, you may find yourself surprisingly believing in train love.
Although the romance and race stakes may not be fully convincing, it's hard to criticize in a show that is all about non-stop spectacle. The loose plot is easily forgotten when the catchy tunes and dazzling performances take center stage. And just like the original production, this show is sure to leave you feeling magical and perhaps even teary-eyed.
If you're itching to see this electrifying performance, you can catch it at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until June 8th, 2025. The rest of the cast, mostly making their professional debuts, give outstanding performances, despite the challenging task of skating at 30mph. Greaseball, with her villainous tone and menacing skating, is a standout amongst the cast. And let's not forget Electra's grand entrance, leaving the audience bewildered and filled with joy.
After the show, why not try out the flamboyant restaurant, Studio 5, located right behind the race track at the Troubadour Theatre. The menu is themed around the musical, and the prices are reasonable. And don't miss out on their cleverly named cocktails, like the "Express-O-Martini." With a live jazz band, it's the perfect way to end a fantastic night out.
In the end, Starlight Express is a thrilling and unforgettable experience, with a hint of madness and brilliance that allows you to confidently sing "Freight is great" without any shame. And for those of us who remember the original production and have a love for all things musical, the set transformation from a child's bedroom to a world of engine racers is just as magical and tear-inducing as it was back then. So don't miss your chance to see this bat-sh*t crazy sensation of a show - it's truly the best way to end a night out.
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