Starlight Express is an iconic musical that first debuted in 1984. With its electrifying score and unique use of roller skates, Starlight Express captured audiences’ hearts and ran for over 7,400 performances in London’s West End. However, the show has not had a major revival for quite some time, leading many fans to wonder – will Starlight Express ever come back?
What is Starlight Express?
Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. It tells the story of a child’s toy train set coming to life and competing in a championship race to determine the “fastest engine in the world.” The show is performed entirely on roller skates, with cast members racing around the set at speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
Some key facts about Starlight Express:
- Opened in London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre in 1984.
- Ran for over 7,400 performances, making it the 8th longest-running musical in West End history.
- Featured songs like “Rolling Stock,” “AC/DC,” and “Light at the End of the Tunnel.”
- Used state-of-the-art hydraulics to create moving sets and effects.
- Had productions around the world including Broadway, Japan, Australia, and Germany.
At its peak, Starlight Express was a true spectacle of musical theatre that captivated audiences. However, changing tastes and large overhead costs led to the show closing in London in 2002. Fans have eagerly awaited its return ever since.
Why was Starlight Express so popular?
There are several key reasons why Starlight Express became such a smash hit in the 1980s:
- Novelty of roller skating: The show was the first major musical to feature actors skating around the stage, which provided an exciting physicality and energy.
- Score by Andrew Lloyd Webber: Featuring pop/rock songs like “Rolling Stock” and power ballads like “Only You,” the music was catchy and appealing to audiences.
- Spectacular effects: With sets moving in and out on hydraulics, the show featured impressive special effects.
- Mass appeal: With anthropomorphic trains as characters, the show appealed to both adult and child audiences.
- 1980s cultural zeitgeist: The style and music aligned perfectly with its 1980s time period.
While some critics found the plot a bit thin, audiences couldn’t get enough of the show’s high-octane entertainment value. For many theatre fans in the ’80s, Starlight Express was an unmissable experience.
Why did Starlight Express originally close?
There were a few key factors that led to Starlight Express closing in London in 2002 after nearly 20 years:
- Declining popularity/changing tastes: By early 2000s, the hype from the ’80s had diminished. Other modern musicals like Mamma Mia! and The Lion King overshadowed it.
- Lack of story updates: The show did not receive significant plot or song updates, causing it to feel dated.
- High overhead costs: With a large cast and complex mechanized set, operating costs were extremely high.
- Limited seating: The unique race track set meant the London theatre only held 1,200 seats, limiting earning potential.
While still beloved by loyal fans, Starlight Express simply could not attract the huge audiences needed to sustain its enormous production costs. This economic reality led the show to finally close after a respectable 18-year run.
Could Starlight Express make a comeback?
There are reasons to be optimistic that Starlight Express could potentially make a successful comeback in the future:
- Musical revivals are popular: Many classic musicals have been revived to great acclaim, tapping into nostalgia.
- Technology improvements: With modern tech, the show’s effects could be even more breathtaking.
- Name recognition: While dated, the Starlight Express brand still carries weight.
- Touring potential: A touring production could visit bigger venues to improve profitability.
However, there are also still challenges facing a Starlight Express revival:
- Dated material: The show might seem too rooted in 1980s musical theatre style.
- Competition: Blockbuster musicals like Hamilton now dominate culture.
- Roller skating safety: Injury risks for performers could be a liability concern.
- Lacks wide appeal: The niche concept may not draw in new young fans.
What would it take to successfully bring back Starlight Express?
If Starlight Express were to make a comeback, some keys to success could include:
- Modernizing the score and effects using 21st century technology while retaining classic songs.
- Telling the story in a more contemporary, character-driven way that draws in new audiences.
- Launching the revival in a larger venue like an arena to improve profit margins.
- Leaning into the retro, campy aesthetic as a selling point for musical theatre fans.
- Casting recognizable stars or influencers to attract media buzz.
Realistically, it would take a visionary producer willing to invest significant money to properly revive Starlight Express for modern audiences. Enough nostalgic love for the show still exists that a successful comeback seems feasible under the right circumstances.
What are the chances Starlight Express returns to London or Broadway?
Estimating the actual odds of a Starlight Express London or Broadway revival is difficult, but we can make some educated guesses:
Location | Chances of Return |
---|---|
London’s West End | 30% |
Broadway | 15% |
A London revival seems more likely given that was the show’s original home and where it experienced its longest run. However, high costs and space constraints at the Apollo Victoria Theatre remain obstacles. Brand familiarity in the UK improves prospects slightly.
A Broadway revival is less probable. The show only ran for two years on Broadway in the 1980s, suggesting limited appeal with American audiences. More radical updates would likely be needed to make it a hit revival on Broadway.
How could Starlight Express be updated for modern audiences?
Some ways the creative team could update Starlight Express for today’s audiences include:
- Incorporating modern pop/rock songs into the score.
- Revising the book to have a more relatable, character-driven story.
- Updating the technology/special effects using projections, LED screens etc.
- Reimagining the design aesthetic using contemporary styles.
- Adding modern references to resonate with current pop culture.
- Highlighting messages around diversity, inclusion and empowerment.
However, the team would need to walk a careful line between updating the show and losing the nostalgic charm that drives revival interest. The best strategy likely involves a hybrid mix of classic elements like the iconic songs paired with modern features to breathe new life into the material.
Conclusion
For musical theatre devotees, the prospect of a Starlight Express comeback is exciting. While challenging, a successful revival is not out of the realm of possibility. With the right artistic vision, critical reinvention and favorable economics, the “fastest train set in the world” could once again race into our hearts. We may need to temper expectations slightly, but the dream of hearing the electrifying opening chords of “Rolling Stock” in a packed theatre again still lives on.