Inside the wheels: the challenges of performing Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber theatre shows are renowned for their catchy tunes, spectacular costumes and feel-good factor. Starlight Express is one of his most groundbreaking shows, not only because it embraces diversity, but also because it is performed entirely on roller skates. In the latest run of the musical, many of the actors had not even stepped into roller skates before being cast. On top of that they have to don elaborate costumes for each performance. Let’s take a look at the challenges of performing in Starlight Express.

Skate School

Before learning their choreography, the cast of Starlight Express need to learn how to skate. To achieve the level of confidence and ability that’s required for the show, they attend Skate School, which is currently led by skate coordinator Luke Zammit. This is an intense experience: for around six weeks, the cast spends eight hours a day, six days a week skating. Once proficient, the actors can begin learning and polishing the dance routines. 

In an interview with London Theatre, Jeevan Braich who plays Rusty revealed that he’d “never even thought about skating” before being given the part. Describing the Skate School experience, he commented, “We fell over all the time and after the first person fell, it became normal for us. There were a few breaks and injuries, but for the most part we bounced back and passion for the job kept us going. It’s always going to be the hardest job any of us ever does.”

Costumes

In addition to performing the entire show on skates, the cast must wear costumes comprising several layers. Undergarments are layered with a leotard before knee pads, gloves, chest pieces, belts and more are secured. All this takes time to put on, and some trains - like Electra - have such bulky costumes that the actors can’t bend over and crew members have to help them get dressed. It’s extra weight to carry too, with some costumes weighing around 7-8kg. Of course, the actors still need to be able to perform their choreography and stunts!

Makeup

There’s no team of expert makeup artists behind the scenes at this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The Starlight Express cast members have to learn to perfect their own makeup, which they put on before getting into their costumes. A character design is created by the show’s makeup team, which includes specific instructions on colours, application techniques and more. A makeup artist teaches each actor how to execute the look by doing one half of their face, which they must then copy to the other side, ensuring everything is exactly symmetrical. Over time the cast members improve, eventually becoming experts in creating their characters’ faces - as well as expert skators, singers and dancers!

See Starlight Express

All that effort on the part of the cast certainly pays off. This incredible, immersive show is a joy to experience and is now running at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until October 2025. Don’t miss out - book your Starlight Express tickets today with KX Tickets.