Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre Review (2025)
Jeevan Braich (Rusty) and Jaydon Vijn (Hydra) in Starlight Express (Photo Credit Pamela Raith)
Written by Amelia for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Celebrating one year at the fabulous Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s tour de force production of Starlight Express is as fabulous as ever. The 1984 musical, famously performed on roller skates, has enjoyed a plethora of productions over the years, with the German version having been performed in Bochum for over 35 years. The show began on the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, with subsequent UK tours and a trip over the pond to Broadway. This new production, directed by Luke Sheppard, premiered last year to rave reviews, and it’s still proving why it’s unmissable.
After listening to Arlene Phillips talk about how the show and its original choreography came about at the Call To Stage podcast live recording, I found myself with a newfound appreciation for the act of rollerskating and performing a full musical theatre show at the same time. She explained the feat of finding performers who could do both, and how they often ended up with those who excelled at one or the other, which proved difficult in the show’s beginnings. These current performers went through a 6-week skate school before even starting rehearsals for Starlight, which highlights the dedication of the cast and crew to create the show that they do. The Troubadour theatre has been transformed into a minimalist’s worst nightmare and looks completely unrecognisable in comparison to the previous tenant of Disney’s Newsies.
While I can’t say the story is the most detailed and compelling on the west end right now, I actually think that’s what makes the show so appealing. Who knows whether any writer could make a story about trains be 100% believable, but Webber’s magical choo choo experience is unlike anything else. You can leave all your troubles at the door and enter a world of disco balls and bright colours for a couple of hours, before being thrust back out to the busy streets of London. Some of the lyrics are rather basic, but covered by the sheer talent of all those involved in the production, it all just works.
It seems crazy to say someone is making a career-defining performance at the age of 18, but Jeevan Braich is absolutely on the money as Rusty the Steam Train. His tone is sublime and he’s so easy to root for, so it’s no wonder he’s been winning awards for his performance. The role of Pearl was played by Ashlyn Weekes at this performance, and again, another star in the making, as the delightful First Class Carriage. Her ‘Make Up My Heart’ was gorgeous, and their duet of ‘I Do’ remains one of my favourite songs in the show. Rusty’s mentor, Momma, is played by Jade Marvin, who’s giving us vocals for days. Her soulful voice is at its most impressive during ‘Momma’s Blues’ and ‘I Am The Starlight’, where she shows why she will be a long-standing West End talent.
Superstar Al Knott roars as Greaseball and performs the highlight of act 1 ‘Pumping Iron’ with a charisma like no other. She bounces off Tom Pigram as Electra brilliantly, and their rivalry is electrifying to watch. The races themselves are where the set and auditorium really shine and prove just how impressive every part of this show is. The speed at which the cast glides over the track is just as incredible as it is terrifying, with the marshals on the scooters also flipping and tricking all over the shop too. I rarely see a piece of theatre that makes my heart stop nearly as much as Starlight Express, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
I want to champion the insane covers and swings of this production, who not only have a musical theatre show to learn, but tracks and races too. The whole ensemble are working incredibly hard and really boosts each number they’re in. Highlights include ‘Rolling Stock’, ‘Light At The End Of The Tunnel’ and the ever fabulous ‘Megamix’ at the end, which is such a crowd pleaser. The choreography is tight and exciting throughout, only championed by epic lighting and sound by Howard Hudson and Gareth Owen, respectively. It’s no wonder the show has extended and continues to amaze audiences each night. A new cast starts from June 2025, led by Gavin Adams as Rusty and Sophie Naglik as Pearl, with Jade Marvin staying on as Momma. Be sure to catch Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre while there are no delays!
★★★★★
