Starlight Express in Liverpool

Starlight Express first premiered in 1984 and quickly became one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most distinctive musicals. Known for its use of roller skating performers and its imaginative staging, the show tells the story of a child’s dream in which trains compete to become the fastest engine in the world. At its centre is Rusty, an underdog steam engine who must find belief in himself to succeed.

The musical features a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, including well known songs such as “AC/DC”, “Make Up My Heart”, “Light at the End of the Tunnel” and the title number “Starlight Express”.

This new production, directed by Luke Sheppard, first returned to London in 2024 in a specially designed venue that allowed for immersive staging and fast moving action. The creative team includes set designer Tim Hatley, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Howard Hudson and sound designer Gareth Owen, with new orchestrations by Matthew Brind in collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber.