10 facts about Starlight Express
Having captivated audiences across the globe when it first opened in 1984, the Starlight Express musical became an instant classic. Running for over 7,400 performances in the West End, it closed in January 2002, but has now returned in a new guise to delight modern theatre-goers. If you’re a fan of the show, here are ten facts you’ll love.
1. The idea for Starlight Express came from Thomas the Tank Engine
Starlight Express’ origins are way back in 1974, when Andrew Lloyd Webber had the idea of making a TV series based on the Thomas the Tank Engine books by Reverend W. Awdry.
2. The roller skate idea came from designer John Napier
Designer John Napier was walking in Central Park, New York, when he had the idea to put the cast of Starlight Express on roller skates. He was inspired by a group of street dancers he’d seen there on roller skates.
3. The original show used over 27,00 skate laces
During its original run from 1984 to 2002, the cast of Starlight Express got through 27,600 pairs of skate laces, 27,000 skate wheels and 23,000 toe stops.
4. One cast member clocked up a 40mph skate
The top speed recorded by a skater during the original West End production was 40mph during a rehearsal. Most of the time, however, the skaters don’t exceed 30mph.
5. Millions have seen the show
An international hit, Starlight Express has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. Indeed, one Starlight Express theatre in Germany is in the Guiness Book of Records, having run the musical since 1988 and hosted over 13 million visitors by the time of its entry in 2010.
6. Starlight Express broke ground with its diverse casting
Back in the 1980s, not many theatre shows embraced diversity. Starlight Express was groundbreaking in its employment of Black actors, at one point hiring more than the rest of the West End combined.
7. Hydra is new
If you saw Starlight Express in the West End, you’re in for a few surprises. There’s a brand-new character promoting steam power: Hydra the hydrogen-powered engine. He replaces Dustin from the previous edition of the show.
8. Expect more girl power
The latest production has been updated in several ways. Not only are there five new songs, there are also more female characters. Poppa has been replaced by Momma, and the character of Greaseball is now female.
9. Starlight Express has its own skate school
Hopefuls for the cast of Starlight Express didn’t need to be experienced skaters before joining the show. In fact Jeevan Braich, who plays Rusty, had never skated before landing the role. The cast are trained especially for the production at ‘skate school’, where they learn everything from moving on skates to the full choreography routines.
10. Awards are coming thick and fast
Starlight Express has been nominated for plenty of awards since returning in June 2024. It received nine nominations at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards in January 2025, and actor Jeevan Braich won Best Performer in a Musical at the Stage Debut Awards in September 2024.
Get on board Starlight Express
The new Starlight Express show is playing at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 26 October 2025. Get your tickets today!
