As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’. Seen around the world by over 30 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages.
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In March 1974, Andrew met Reverend W Awdry, the author of Thomas the Tank Engine, to discuss converting his stories into an animated TV series. He then collaborated with lyricist Peter Reeves and animator Brian Cosgrove and pitched their ideas to Granada TV.
In March 1974, Andrew met Reverend W Awdry, the author of Thomas the Tank Engine, to discuss converting his stories into an animated TV series. He then collaborated with lyricist Peter Reeves and animator Brian Cosgrove and pitched their ideas to Granada TV.
Granada TV commissioned a pilot episode of Thomas the Tank Engine in early 1976; Granada ultimately decided not to produce a full series. However, the hugely popular animated BBC TV series Thomas & Friends later went on to run for 24 series.
Granada TV commissioned a pilot episode of Thomas the Tank Engine in early 1976; Granada ultimately decided not to produce a full series. However, the hugely popular animated BBC TV series Thomas & Friends later went on to run for 24 series.
Andrew heard a recording of an American soul singer, Earl Jordan, who could sing three notes at once in the style of a steam whistle. Andrew and Peter Reeves wrote a novelty pop song for Jordan called 'Engine of Love' that was released in early 1977 and went on to feature in some productions of Starlight Express.
Andrew heard a recording of an American soul singer, Earl Jordan, who could sing three notes at once in the style of a steam whistle. Andrew and Peter Reeves wrote a novelty pop song for Jordan called 'Engine of Love' that was released in early 1977 and went on to feature in some productions of Starlight Express.
Engine of Love by Earl Jordan (1977)
Engine of Love by Earl Jordan (1977)
In 1977, the American TV station CBS approached Andrew and asked him to contribute songs to an animated film version of Cinderella. In this version of the story, the prince would hold a competition to decide which engine would pull the royal train across the USA. The project didn't progress but Andrew remained interested in the idea of telling a story with trains.
In 1977, the American TV station CBS approached Andrew and asked him to contribute songs to an animated film version of Cinderella. In this version of the story, the prince would hold a competition to decide which engine would pull the royal train across the USA. The project didn't progress but Andrew remained interested in the idea of telling a story with trains.
In early 1981, Andrew asked lyricist Richard Stilgoe to help with the opening number of CATS, which was in rehearsal and due to open at the New London Theatre that May. Stilgoe recalls that "once CATS was put out for the night, Andrew showed me the ‘Cinderella’ story and talked to me of trains". Andrew decided to rework some of the musical ideas from the Cinderella project into his own work.
In early 1981, Andrew asked lyricist Richard Stilgoe to help with the opening number of CATS, which was in rehearsal and due to open at the New London Theatre that May. Stilgoe recalls that "once CATS was put out for the night, Andrew showed me the ‘Cinderella’ story and talked to me of trains". Andrew decided to rework some of the musical ideas from the Cinderella project into his own work.
In April 1982, Richard Stilgoe joined Andrew at Sydmonton to work on songs for Starlight Express. The initial Cinderella-style plot centres on Rusty the steam engine in the Cinderella role, Greaseball and Electra the ‘ugly’ diesel and electric engines, and Starlight Express as the fairy godmother. Andrew hoped a Sydmonton Festival debut would help fuel an animated film version.
In April 1982, Richard Stilgoe joined Andrew at Sydmonton to work on songs for Starlight Express. The initial Cinderella-style plot centres on Rusty the steam engine in the Cinderella role, Greaseball and Electra the ‘ugly’ diesel and electric engines, and Starlight Express as the fairy godmother. Andrew hoped a Sydmonton Festival debut would help fuel an animated film version.
On 10 July 1982, Andrew and Richard Stilgoe presented early material for Starlight Express at the 8th Sydmonton Festival. The cast included Chris Beeching, Elaine Delmar, Julie Edmett, Earl Jordan, Bonnie Langford, Paul Nicholas, Elaine Paige, Richard Stilgoe and Donald Waugh. They all performed numbers including the title song, 'Only He', and a country & western spoof 'Stand by Your Engine'.
On 10 July 1982, Andrew and Richard Stilgoe presented early material for Starlight Express at the 8th Sydmonton Festival. The cast included Chris Beeching, Elaine Delmar, Julie Edmett, Earl Jordan, Bonnie Langford, Paul Nicholas, Elaine Paige, Richard Stilgoe and Donald Waugh. They all performed numbers including the title song, 'Only He', and a country & western spoof 'Stand by Your Engine'.
After the enthusiastic response to the Starlight Express concert at Sydmonton, Andrew initially planned for the show to be a school concert similar to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, featuring a choir of London school children at the Barbican Centre's opening. However, this idea shifted after he spoke with director Trevor Nunn, who was in the Sydmonton audience.
After the enthusiastic response to the Starlight Express concert at Sydmonton, Andrew initially planned for the show to be a school concert similar to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, featuring a choir of London school children at the Barbican Centre's opening. However, this idea shifted after he spoke with director Trevor Nunn, who was in the Sydmonton audience.
In August 1982, Director Trevor Nunn offered to help develop Starlight Express, feeling the current version was too "twee." He argued that if it was to be a children's show, it needed to offer something unique, with more competition, a contemporary pop score, and a focus on spectacle and theatrical magic, rather than a traditional musical.
In August 1982, Director Trevor Nunn offered to help develop Starlight Express, feeling the current version was too "twee." He argued that if it was to be a children's show, it needed to offer something unique, with more competition, a contemporary pop score, and a focus on spectacle and theatrical magic, rather than a traditional musical.
In late 1982, Trevor Nunn joined the team and helped Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe develop Starlight Express by adding the idea of train engines and coaches racing. With Trevor onboard, Andrew called Arlene Phillips to see if she’d choreograph the show. Arlene recalled she'd only worn roller skates twice: once as a child, and again in 1979 when she was "hastily taught to skate" while seven months pregnant, choreographing a sequence for a Hollywood film.
In late 1982, Trevor Nunn joined the team and helped Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe develop Starlight Express by adding the idea of train engines and coaches racing. With Trevor onboard, Andrew called Arlene Phillips to see if she’d choreograph the show. Arlene recalled she'd only worn roller skates twice: once as a child, and again in 1979 when she was "hastily taught to skate" while seven months pregnant, choreographing a sequence for a Hollywood film.
In early 1983, the first act of the still-developing Starlight Express was workshopped over six weeks by director Trevor Nunn and choreographer Arlene Phillips at Notre Dame Hall, near Leicester Square (now the Leicester Square Theatre). The cast included traditional musical theatre performers, street dancers and skaters who had little to no theatre experience. The role of Pearl was played by comedienne Tracey Ullman, while pop star Zaine Griff took on the role of Electra.
In early 1983, the first act of the still-developing Starlight Express was workshopped over six weeks by director Trevor Nunn and choreographer Arlene Phillips at Notre Dame Hall, near Leicester Square (now the Leicester Square Theatre). The cast included traditional musical theatre performers, street dancers and skaters who had little to no theatre experience. The role of Pearl was played by comedienne Tracey Ullman, while pop star Zaine Griff took on the role of Electra.
The first two weeks of the workshop were a training camp. The musical theatre actors were taught to skate and the skaters were given “the shortest dance training in history”. The workshop converted Andrew’s music into Trevor’s vision of creating a show that “could reach audiences for whom theatre was a no-go zone; not just the Joseph children’s audience but street kids who might relate to Starlight Express and then graze on more grown-up fodder”.
The first two weeks of the workshop were a training camp. The musical theatre actors were taught to skate and the skaters were given “the shortest dance training in history”. The workshop converted Andrew’s music into Trevor’s vision of creating a show that “could reach audiences for whom theatre was a no-go zone; not just the Joseph children’s audience but street kids who might relate to Starlight Express and then graze on more grown-up fodder”.
Based on workshop’s success, Starlight Express went into full-scale production and John Napier was recruited to design the set & costumes. After visiting many potential theatrical venues, the team settled on the New Victoria (now Apollo) Theatre. John's set resembled an enormous train set with racetracks that extend into the auditorium and an impressive iron girder swing bridge, around which the performers would skate at speeds of up to 30mph.
Based on workshop’s success, Starlight Express went into full-scale production and John Napier was recruited to design the set & costumes. After visiting many potential theatrical venues, the team settled on the New Victoria (now Apollo) Theatre. John's set resembled an enormous train set with racetracks that extend into the auditorium and an impressive iron girder swing bridge, around which the performers would skate at speeds of up to 30mph.
Rehearsals for Starlight Express began in January 1984 at the Tropical Palace in Willesden (north London) with Stephanie Lawrence as Pearl, Ray Shell as Rusty and Lon Satton as Ramblin’ Poppa McCoy. Ahead of the show’s opening, a real steam engine was placed outside the theatre for press shots of the cast and crew.
Rehearsals for Starlight Express began in January 1984 at the Tropical Palace in Willesden (north London) with Stephanie Lawrence as Pearl, Ray Shell as Rusty and Lon Satton as Ramblin’ Poppa McCoy. Ahead of the show’s opening, a real steam engine was placed outside the theatre for press shots of the cast and crew.
The London production and world premiere of Starlight Express opened on 27 March 1984 and was nominated for two Olivier Awards later that year. During the last 15 minutes of Starlight’s opening night, the BBC’s outside broadcasting unit stationed to cover audience reactions cuts into the show’s radio microphone frequency, interrupting Stephanie Lawrence’s big number, ‘Only He Has the Power to Move Me’. Despite this, the Daily Mail’s review headline read “First Class to success”.
The London production and world premiere of Starlight Express opened on 27 March 1984 and was nominated for two Olivier Awards later that year. During the last 15 minutes of Starlight’s opening night, the BBC’s outside broadcasting unit stationed to cover audience reactions cuts into the show’s radio microphone frequency, interrupting Stephanie Lawrence’s big number, ‘Only He Has the Power to Move Me’. Despite this, the Daily Mail’s review headline read “First Class to success”.
On 28 July 1984, Starlight Express Original London Cast Album was released. To date, various cast recordings have gathered more than 25 million streams, and iconic vocalists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Mica Paris and José Carreras have covered the show’s songs.
On 28 July 1984, Starlight Express Original London Cast Album was released. To date, various cast recordings have gathered more than 25 million streams, and iconic vocalists including Dame Shirley Bassey, Mica Paris and José Carreras have covered the show’s songs.
The Race from Starlight Express Original Cast Album (1984)
The Race from Starlight Express Original Cast Album (1984)
On 5 December 1984, Prince (now King) Charles and Princess Diana attended a charity gala of Starlight Express in aid of the Centre for World Development Education. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had already attended the show in March.
On 5 December 1984, Prince (now King) Charles and Princess Diana attended a charity gala of Starlight Express in aid of the Centre for World Development Education. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had already attended the show in March.
A revised version of the production opened on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on 15 March 1985. The show included a new ballad called ‘Make Up My Heart’ and a reworked version of ‘Engine of Love’.
A revised version of the production opened on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on 15 March 1985. The show included a new ballad called ‘Make Up My Heart’ and a reworked version of ‘Engine of Love’.
On 7 June 1987, the new Broadway production of Starlight Express received an epic 7 Tony Award nominations at the 41st annual ceremony where John Napier walked away with the award for 'Best Costume Design'. Later that year, this production was also nominated for 4 Drama Desk awards; John Napier won again - this time for 'Outstanding Set Design' and 'Outstanding Costume Design'.
On 7 June 1987, the new Broadway production of Starlight Express received an epic 7 Tony Award nominations at the 41st annual ceremony where John Napier walked away with the award for 'Best Costume Design'. Later that year, this production was also nominated for 4 Drama Desk awards; John Napier won again - this time for 'Outstanding Set Design' and 'Outstanding Costume Design'.
The first arena production of Starlight Express opened at the Yoyogi Stadium, Tokyo on 15 November 1987. A new stage was designed using a model set that featured landmarks including Mount Rushmore. This was followed by a tour of Australia and culminated in a second Japanese visit in 1990.
The first arena production of Starlight Express opened at the Yoyogi Stadium, Tokyo on 15 November 1987. A new stage was designed using a model set that featured landmarks including Mount Rushmore. This was followed by a tour of Australia and culminated in a second Japanese visit in 1990.
On 12 June 1988, a reimagined production that mostly followed the model set by the Japan/Australia tour opened at the purpose-built Starlight Express Theater in Bochum, Germany where more than 23 million tickets have been sold to date. Richard Stilgoe's lyrics were translated into German by Sabine Grohmann and Wolfgang Adenberg and the show featured some notable changes to the characters and songs, as well as structure of the story.
On 12 June 1988, a reimagined production that mostly followed the model set by the Japan/Australia tour opened at the purpose-built Starlight Express Theater in Bochum, Germany where more than 23 million tickets have been sold to date. Richard Stilgoe's lyrics were translated into German by Sabine Grohmann and Wolfgang Adenberg and the show featured some notable changes to the characters and songs, as well as structure of the story.
After a total of 783 performances, the Broadway production of Starlight Express closed on 8 January 1989.
After a total of 783 performances, the Broadway production of Starlight Express closed on 8 January 1989.
A scaled-down version of the Starlight Express Broadway production opened at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio on 7 November 1989 and toured the US and Canada.
A scaled-down version of the Starlight Express Broadway production opened at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio on 7 November 1989 and toured the US and Canada.
On 23 November 1992, the London production of Starlight Express was revamped with substantial rewrites and the addition of five new songs: ‘Crazy’, ‘He’ll Whistle at Me’, ‘Make Up My Heart’, ‘Next Time You Fall in Love’ and ‘The Megamix’.
On 23 November 1992, the London production of Starlight Express was revamped with substantial rewrites and the addition of five new songs: ‘Crazy’, ‘He’ll Whistle at Me’, ‘Make Up My Heart’, ‘Next Time You Fall in Love’ and ‘The Megamix’.
Crazy from The New Starlight Express Album (1993)
Crazy from The New Starlight Express Album (1993)
A 90-minute version of Starlight Express opened at the Las Vegas Hilton on 14 September 1993 and became the first major permanent musical theatre production in Las Vegas, which ran for four years.
A 90-minute version of Starlight Express opened at the Las Vegas Hilton on 14 September 1993 and became the first major permanent musical theatre production in Las Vegas, which ran for four years.
A unique production of ‘Starlight Express on Ice’ opened in 1997 and briefly toured the US. It was the first 'non-replica' incarnation of the show.
A unique production of ‘Starlight Express on Ice’ opened in 1997 and briefly toured the US. It was the first 'non-replica' incarnation of the show.
After 7,409 performances, Starlight Express closed at the Apollo Victoria on 12 January 2002; at the time, it was the 3rd longest-running West End show and now ranks 9th.
After 7,409 performances, Starlight Express closed at the Apollo Victoria on 12 January 2002; at the time, it was the 3rd longest-running West End show and now ranks 9th.
A special production of Starlight Express called the 3rd Dimension opened in Biloxi, Mississippi on 1 April 2003 and toured the US for just over a year. It featured 3D visuals during the show’s races where the audience wore 3D glasses.
A special production of Starlight Express called the 3rd Dimension opened in Biloxi, Mississippi on 1 April 2003 and toured the US for just over a year. It featured 3D visuals during the show’s races where the audience wore 3D glasses.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original production of Starlight Express, around 100 ex-Starlight cast members met with Arlene Phillips (choreographer) and Mark Davis (dance captain) at a special reunion on 28 March 2004.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original production of Starlight Express, around 100 ex-Starlight cast members met with Arlene Phillips (choreographer) and Mark Davis (dance captain) at a special reunion on 28 March 2004.
The first UK tour of Starlight Express opened in Manchester on 4 November 2004, which was followed by an additional Scandinavian tour three years later in 2007.
The first UK tour of Starlight Express opened in Manchester on 4 November 2004, which was followed by an additional Scandinavian tour three years later in 2007.
On 13 September 2017, a public workshop of Starlight Express was performed at The Other Palace, London. Overseen by the show's original core writing team, Andrew and Richard Stilgoe, and long-term choreographer and director Arlene Phillips. The workshop tested new material, characters and casting choices that inspired the forthcoming 2018 Bochum updates.
On 13 September 2017, a public workshop of Starlight Express was performed at The Other Palace, London. Overseen by the show's original core writing team, Andrew and Richard Stilgoe, and long-term choreographer and director Arlene Phillips. The workshop tested new material, characters and casting choices that inspired the forthcoming 2018 Bochum updates.
Gregory Porter recorded a performance of 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' from Starlight Express, which was then featured on Unmasked: The Platinum Collection Album released on 16 March 2018.
Gregory Porter recorded a performance of 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' from Starlight Express, which was then featured on Unmasked: The Platinum Collection Album released on 16 March 2018.
Light at the End of the Tunnel by Gregory Porter from the Unmasked: The Platinum Collection Album (2018)
Light at the End of the Tunnel by Gregory Porter from the Unmasked: The Platinum Collection Album (2018)
The 30th anniversary of the Starlight Express production in Bochum saw major revisions on 12 June 2018, similar in scale to the 1992 ‘New Starlight Express’ in London. These revisions were developed from the 2017 London workshop and included changes to the music, characters and story, which were refocused to address the gender imbalance. Female characters were added: ‘Poppa’ became ‘Momma’, ‘Rocky 3’ was cast as female, and ‘Bobo’ the French Engine, became ‘Coco’.
The 30th anniversary of the Starlight Express production in Bochum saw major revisions on 12 June 2018, similar in scale to the 1992 ‘New Starlight Express’ in London. These revisions were developed from the 2017 London workshop and included changes to the music, characters and story, which were refocused to address the gender imbalance. Female characters were added: ‘Poppa’ became ‘Momma’, ‘Rocky 3’ was cast as female, and ‘Bobo’ the French Engine, became ‘Coco’.
Following the 40th anniversary earlier in the year, a regenerated version of Starlight Express pulled into the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Previews commenced on 8 June 2024 and the official opening night on 30 June 2024.
Following the 40th anniversary earlier in the year, a regenerated version of Starlight Express pulled into the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Previews commenced on 8 June 2024 and the official opening night on 30 June 2024.
On 19 July 2024, a new version of the song 'Starlight Express' was released by Sydnie Christmas who was the winner of the 17th season of Britain's Got Talent in 2024. Sydnie was a former cast member of Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany and performed as a swing in 2019-2020, and in January 2022. She then played the role of Carrie in June 2022.
On 19 July 2024, a new version of the song 'Starlight Express' was released by Sydnie Christmas who was the winner of the 17th season of Britain's Got Talent in 2024. Sydnie was a former cast member of Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany and performed as a swing in 2019-2020, and in January 2022. She then played the role of Carrie in June 2022.
Hot off the heels of the Sunset Blvd album release, came the new cast recording of "Starlight Express", which was released on 15 November 2024. It featured the cast of the revival at the Troubadour Theatre, Wembley Park. New songs included 'Hydrogen', 'I Am Me' & 'I Do'.
Hot off the heels of the Sunset Blvd album release, came the new cast recording of "Starlight Express", which was released on 15 November 2024. It featured the cast of the revival at the Troubadour Theatre, Wembley Park. New songs included 'Hydrogen', 'I Am Me' & 'I Do'.
The cast of the London production of Starlight Express performed 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' at the Royal Variety Performance on 22 November 2024, and aired on ITV on 15 December 2024. The stunning performance by the cast was lead by Jade Marvin who plays 'Momma' in the current production.
The cast of the London production of Starlight Express performed 'Light at the End of the Tunnel' at the Royal Variety Performance on 22 November 2024, and aired on ITV on 15 December 2024. The stunning performance by the cast was lead by Jade Marvin who plays 'Momma' in the current production.
Light at the End of the Tunnel by Jade Marvin at the Royal Variety Performance (2024)
Light at the End of the Tunnel by Jade Marvin at the Royal Variety Performance (2024)
The London production of Starlight Express thundered across the finish line with 7 incredible wins at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium on 9 February 2025. The show won 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Professional Debut', 'Best Costume Design', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Set Design', 'Best Video Design', and 'Best Wigs, Hair & Makeup Design'.
The London production of Starlight Express thundered across the finish line with 7 incredible wins at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium on 9 February 2025. The show won 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Professional Debut', 'Best Costume Design', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Set Design', 'Best Video Design', and 'Best Wigs, Hair & Makeup Design'.
