Starlight Express production image. Photo by Photo by Pamela Raith.Loved by so many, their catchy tunes, lively characters and out-of-the-box storylines mean they capture a very specific sentiment in our collective psyche and deliver a sense of energy and vibrancy like no other piece of theatre. Starlight Express, currently showing at Wembley Park Theatre, is no exception.
Starlight Express is the longest-running and best-loved play in Germany - and sitting in a completely sold-out theatre full of super-fans singing along, fluent in all the action - it is clear to see this is a well-loved, and well-worn piece of theatre.
Ushered into our seats on Platforms 1 felt like stepping into a trainspotters dream. From the onset, the bright lights, laser beams, and a cacophony of rail yard noises enveloped the space and evoked the intensity of rush hour. What was to come was a high-octane, energetic wonder-fest. I certainly came away with a quickened heartbeat and maybe far too much of an adrenaline rush for a weekday evening.
Starlight Express takes us into the world of trains - from diesel to electric to good old steam. Each are brought to life and portrayed by an elaborately costumed actor sporting roller skates to capture the on-wheels effect, whizzing around us the audience seated trackside. Lloyd Webber most certainly has a gift for imbuing inanimate objects (and animals) with an unexpectedly profound sense of lived experience and worldliness. Throughout the show time of 2hrs 30mins, the actors burn some serious rubber on the winding and immersive stage laid out as a railway track/race track. They compete against each other in various speed tournaments, all the while demonstrating breathtaking roller skills and dare-devil scooter tricks.
A huge congratulations to the cast, whose impressive stamina, projection, and vocal ability left us stunned with their liveliness and ‘electricity’. Stand out performances came from Jayden Vijn as Hydra (or Hydrogen) - a fuel truck with a far too hypnotic theme song, Al Knott as Greaseball the Diesel Engine - the reigning champion racer with a mean attitude and a partiality for ‘pumping iron’ and Jeevan Braich who all too perfectly captured the agita and insecurity of Rusty the Steam Train. Credit too to the phenomenal lighting engineers and the amazing live band of musicians for keeping it all on track.
This arduous multitasking of performing, acting, skating, and singing seemed to be taken in their stride. Even by the time of the final medley none had flagged.
So, if you’re in the mood for something iconic and flashy, bursting with the noise and neon of a live rock concert, this literal ‘steam’-punk-esque action will satisfy your needs.
Currently playing at Troubadour Wembley Park until 26 October 2025
