Starlight Express

This is control.

This is control.

The famous Starlight Express is pulling into a station near you.

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the late 70's the story follows a child's toy railway trains.

The score is a mix of rock, pop and there's even a bit of country with Dinah and comedy song U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D. At times it does feel like you're seeing a concert, not a musical, with light shows and action packed dance/skate routines.

Understudy Rusty, Adam Illsley gave an endearing performance as the underdog, and whilst his vocals weren't always up to scratch he made up for it with the acting.

Indeed, there were quite a few times where the vocals weren't what you'd expect from people in musical theatre, but maybe that's just what comes from having them all on roller skates.

Stuart Armfield was deliciously devious as the Caboose and it's hard to tear your eyes away from Mykal Rand's Electra whenever he's on the stage.

Sadly, the female characters lack much depth, and costume material, with the only racing the're doing being after the male characters. Nevertheless, the women in the cast all do what they can to add substance to the roles and give good performances.

The skating is fun, with the added extra of 3D for the races due to size constrictions at regional theatres. Whilst this aspect of it was enjoyable I can't help but think the best way to properly enjoy this show is in a large theatre where the roller skating can really be showed off.

Overall, a very different experience to your normal theatre show, but all the bells, whistles and steam make it worth a visit.

Olivier Awards 2013

Electricity - from Billy Elliot, winner of the BBCR2 Audience Award

Hosted by Sheridan Smith and Hugh Bonneville, last night saw the best of the West End gather at the ROH to celebrate the past year's theatre.

With performances from theatre favourite Idina Menzel, writer of nominated musical Loserville James Bourne and Glee's Matthew Morrison to name but a few. Not forgetting a breathtaking performance from nominee Heather Headley of The Bodyguard's hit I Will Always Love You.

Gillian Lynne was honoured with the special award in recognition of her lifelong theatre career.

Helen Mirren was once more been awarded for playing the Queen, this time in play The Audience.

Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball both won for their lead roles in Sweeney Todd, which also picked up an award for Best Musical Revival.

But it was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time that stole the show, tying with Matilda's record breaking win of last year with 7 awards.

An example of award shows at their best I hope that next year television will give it the appreciation it deserves by airing it in its entirety.

Midnight Tango

When you hear 'ice skating' your first thought is of Torvill and Dean. When you hear 'tango' your thoughts flock to dance partners Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.

Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 the pair have become a household name and the past 12 months have been their most successful yet. In the 2012 series of Strictly both reached the final with their celebrity partners and Flavia went on to win with gymnast Louis Smith.

Having recently finished a sell out stint in the West End, Midnight Tango is now on its third UK tour.

Set in a Buenos Aries bar it is a simple story of the relationship between a couple and another man who tries to come between them. With an amazing ensemble and an endearingly sweet sub-story between the married bar owners this show has all the romance, passion and sensuality you expect from the dance.

But it is Flavia and Vincent's dances together that steal the show. This is where they show off their enormous amount of skill in the dance, moving together with a fluidity and smoothness that can only come with time (they have been dancing together for 17 years). But it is the pure joy and love of what they are doing you can see in their eyes and with every step that gives it that extra something to make this a very special show.

This chance to see two of Strictly's finest dancers in action is not to be missed.