About the choreographer: Ashley Nottingham

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical Starlight Express opened once more this summer at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, and runs until July 2025. Telling the story of a child’s train set that comes to life and a little steam engine who hopes to become the fastest train in the world, it’s performed entirely on roller skates and is sure to capture the hearts of a new generation. This production, which is performed in a uniquely immersive way, was choreographed by the talented Ashley Nottingham. Let’s find out more about him and his career.

Early life and career

Born and raised in Coventry, Ashley has held a lifelong passion for dance. As a child he trained at the Kathy Stokes School of Dance before moving to London to train at the London Studio Centre. He graduated with a BA honours degree in Theatre Dance, as well as a Class A teaching qualification in ISTD. His early career was spent juggling choreography projects with his performances in West End theatre productions. His performance credits include Wizard of Oz, We Will Rock You and Never Forget, as well as national UK tours of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly and 42nd Street.

Choreographer

After 12 years of balancing the two sides of his passion - performance and choreography - Ashley decided to focus completely on choreography. He has created routines for stage, television, and commercials, with his work being showcased on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, as well as on ITV, Channel 4 and Sky Arts.

Before being brought in to choreograph the latest Starlight Express show, Ashley received critical acclaim for his work on Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures. This was co-produced by The Menier Chocolate Factory and Umeda Arts Theatre in both London and Japan. His theatre credits also include Spamalot, Singin’ in the Rain and Top Hat. He has also recently worked as the choreographer on the European premiere of Disney’s Newsies, which enjoyed a successful run at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in 2023.

When he’s not busy with choreographic work, Ashley teaches his SHOWDANCE class for professional dancers at Debbie Moore’s Pineapple Dance Studios in London. He has also taught at a range of top dance and drama academies, including the London Studio Centre, the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Starlight Express

Starlight Express Live opened to overwhelmingly positive reviews in June 2024, with Ashley Nottingham’s choreography proving a highlight of the show. As the review in London Theatre put it, he “gives us everything from hip-shaking swing and a kick line to funky street dance”.

If you’d like to see Ashley’s work in person, get your skates on and book London musical tickets for Starlight Express today. The show is packed with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s trademark catchy songs, as well as impressive aerial acrobatics and stunning visuals. Tickets start from £29.50 with KX Tickets.