Starlight Express
this weekend in London
Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skating musical races through a neon world of trains, speed and underdog dreams.
⭐4.8
Kenners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MRS S STEMBRIDGE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mair Henton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
D Walker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wendy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michelle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pazmondo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CHESTER CHARLES BENNINGTO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chue Hoon Low ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anna-camilla ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Collin Squires ⭐
Sharon Bintcliffe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amanda Denning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Brian Collins ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Keith M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Muzz60 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Things to Know Before You Go
Updated: Thu 16 Jul, 18:00 London time
Is there a Saturday matinee for Starlight Express this weekend?
No Saturday performance this weekend.
What time does the Starlight Express Sunday show start this weekend?
No Sunday performance this weekend.
What's the cheapest Starlight Express performance this weekend?
Check the performance list above for prices.
Where are the skating tracks — and where do you sit to feel the skaters?
The tracks wrap around and through the auditorium itself. Troubadour Wembley Park has been re-fitted as the Starlight Auditorium specifically for this run, with skating ramps running past the front rows on both sides and a central runway that crosses the stalls. 'Trackside' tickets put you within a metre of skaters moving at racing pace; the dress-circle equivalents give you the choreography from above. The trackside experience is the one to book if you're new to it.
What's actually new in this reimagined version?
A trimmed book (the show now runs at two hours thirty including interval, against the original 1984 marathon), a new song for the engineer Pearl, and updated orchestrations that lean rock and electronic rather than mid-80s synth. The skating itself is faster — surface and gear have moved on. Andrew Lloyd Webber has been involved in the rewrite; the score's bones are intact, the muscle is contemporary.
Wembley Park rather than the West End — what's the practical reality?
Twenty minutes from central London on the Jubilee or Metropolitan to Wembley Park, then four minutes on foot to the theatre. The Troubadour complex is on the Olympic-village side of the stadium, surrounded by chain restaurants and good pre-show pizza. Last trains run late but not infinitely late; if you've booked an evening performance with a long onward journey, check the Jubilee status before curtain.
What is Starlight Express about?
Starlight Express follows Rusty, a small steam engine who dreams of winning a race against faster, modern trains. As a child’s train set comes to life, the story explores courage, friendship and the power of self-belief, all told through energetic songs and spectacular staging.
Is Starlight Express suitable for children?
Yes. Starlight Express is designed with families in mind and is generally suitable for most children. However, children under the age of three are not admitted, and parents should be aware that the show features loud music, fast movement and some darker moments which very young or sensitive children may find overwhelming.
How long does Starlight Express run?
The running time is around 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval. It works well as either a matinee or an evening out, even if you are visiting London with children.
Where is Starlight Express performed?
Starlight Express is staged in the Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in north-west London, a short walk from Wembley Park Underground station.
Does Starlight Express use special effects?
Yes. The show makes extensive use of moving tracks, dynamic lighting, projections and amplified sound to create the sensation of speed and racing. If you are sensitive to strobe lighting or loud music, it is worth checking details with the box office before booking.
Is there a dress code for Starlight Express?
There is no formal dress code. Most people opt for comfortable smart-casual clothing suitable for an evening out, but you will not feel out of place in more relaxed attire, especially if you are coming straight from sightseeing.
About this show
Climb aboard Andrew Lloyd Webber's high-octane musical as toy trains race for glory in a purpose-built London arena. In an immersive auditorium where the action whizzes around you, a cast of singing, skating performers bring Rusty the steam engine's story of courage, friendship and self-belief to life through rock, pop and gospel-inspired numbers. With dazzling lighting, projection and breakneck-speed choreography, Starlight Express is a thrilling choice for families, first-time theatregoers and anyone who loves their musicals bold, bright and unapologetically fun.