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.