Jade Marvin (Momma) and the cast in Starlight Express (Photo Credit Pamela Raith)Sunday evening's opening night audience was packed with expectant faces with everyone from Lloyd Webber himself, to the ubiquitous Vanessa Feltz and Christopher Biggins (who were both at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's Secret Garden press night earlier in the week), in attendance. And for anyone who remembers with affection the childlike charm which was integral to the original Starlight production, they will certainly not be disappointed to learn that strong elements remain, albeit with a refreshingly modernising shunt up the bumper. Especially noticeable is the exemplary confidence oozed by Cristian Buttaci who played the boy 'Control' on opening night (and will alternate the part with 5 other undoubtedly brilliant kids during perfomances), who dreams each night of his toy trains challenging each other to races, as he himself acts to ensure some degree of fair play.
Rusty (Jeevan Braich), Pearl, (Kayna Monticello), Momma (Jade Marvin), Greaseball (Al Knott), Dinah (Eve Humphrey), Electra (Tom Pigram) are some of the key characters who've survived the update, but the production team haven't missed the opportunity to incorporate nods to the new carbon-neutral energy sources which the world so desperately needs to take the place of decrepit fossil fuels. Hence a very flash and sexy new Hydrogen-fuelled truck locomotive Hydra (Jaydon Vijn) creates quite a stir, causing pistons to pump, both on stage and amongst the audience. Other technical advancements include trackers fitted to each skater which means that lighting and sound cues are automated and ensure synchronicity when the performers reach their correct on-stage positions. Don't ask me what happens if anyone accidentally crashes, because after months of enduring skate school, they all looked wheelie-good (oh please yourselves!) and unlikely to be making any insurance claims soon.
Given that the narrative is fundamentally The Nutcracker for boys, the set-up could afford to be snappier — 40 minutes had elapsed before the audience were introduced to the speed and excitement of the first race. In reality, this may prove a tad too long to guarantee little Jimmy and Jane remain focussed, and could potentially lead to wriggling and kicking of the seat in front. [NB. Parents — please note: this is somewhat distracting, particularly if the reviewer occupying Jimmy's target soft furnishing, is intently searching for subtlety, nuance and deep meaning in this lively and colourful children's yarn!]
Other minor gripes include: that the production is unnecessarily over amplified, and that the venue's bar staff need a rocket up the wazoo (or speed training with the locomotives) if the house is ever to maximise that particular revenue stream.
If you've kids under 10, it's a no-brainer and money well spent. If you're a musicals fan and consider yourself a kid at heart, you won't regret it. Express yourself a ticket and get on board.
Directed by Luke Sheppard, with set design by Tim Hatley, video design from Andrzej Goulding, costumes by Gabriella Slade, considerable lighting achieved by Howard Hudson, and sound design by Gareth Owen. New venue-specific choreography (with a nod to legend Arlene Phillips) comes courtesy of Ashley Nottingham.
The production features new orchestrations by Matthew Brind, who also acts as musical supervisor with David Wilson. Finally, Laura Bangay keeps everyone tight and in check with her meticulous baton.
