Starlight Express: The Roller-Skating Musical That Never Slows Down
If you want to see a unique, exciting and fun musical while in London, you can’t go past Starlight Express. Created by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, the show first premiered in London in 1984 and quickly became famous for its unique staging with the entire cast performing on roller skates.
The musical tells the story of a child’s train set that magically comes to life. The engines compete to become the fastest in the world, while the underdog steam train Rusty must find the confidence to believe in himself—and in the mysterious “Starlight Express”.
Since its debut, Starlight Express has been seen by more than 30 million people worldwide and has become one of the most visually distinctive musicals ever staged.
The Current London Production
The musical returned to London in June 2024 in a bold new revival directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Ashley Nottingham. The production is at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre with a custom-built skate track immersing the audience in the action. The production won seven What’s on Stage awards including Best Musical Revival !
This production is currently scheduled to run until 3 May 2026 so get in fast if you have the chance to see this unique and highly entertaining musical !
The Bochum Phenomenon
While Starlight Express has dazzled audiences around the world, one production has achieved near-mythical status: Bochum, Germany.
Opening in 1988 in a purpose-built theatre created specifically for the show, the Bochum production has been running continuously ever since—making it one of the longest-running musicals at a single venue anywhere in the world. Over the decades, it has welcomed millions of visitors and delivered tens of thousands of performances, cementing its place as a truly unique fixture in global theatre.
But Bochum isn’t just a long-running production—it’s a destination for fans.
Each summer, the theatre hosts a special Starlight Express Open House, a free public event that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the show. Expect backstage tours, dance workshops, skating demonstrations, photo opportunities with characters, and even the chance to see technical and costume elements up close. It’s a lively, immersive celebration of the production that draws both devoted fans and curious newcomers.
For those wanting an even deeper insight, the theatre also offers regular open rehearsals, where audiences can watch the cast’s skating warm-ups and training sessions. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the athletic precision and discipline required to perform the show—something you don’t fully appreciate until you see it up close.
For Starlight Express enthusiasts, Bochum isn’t just another production—it’s the ultimate pilgrimage.
You can find out more about this permanent German production here: https://www.atgtickets.de/musicals-shows/starlight-express/
Books and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Starlight Express has inspired a uniquely devoted fanbase over the years. The documentary Repeat Offenders offers a fascinating glimpse into that fandom of musical theatre and Starlight Express.
Beyond the stage, the show’s extraordinary physical demands—combining high-speed roller skating with precision choreography—have also led to a number of behind-the-scenes insights and training resources.
One standout is Skating The Starlight Express by Michal Fraley, the original skating coach for the Broadway production. The book charts his journey from training performers to becoming the global skating coach for productions worldwide, while offering a revealing look at the discipline, technique and sheer endurance required to bring the show to life. A fascinating read ! You can buy the book at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skating-Starlight-Express-Michal-Fraley/dp/1458374327.
Why It’s Still a Must-See
More than forty years after its premiere, Starlight Express remains unlike anything else in musical theatre. With its thrilling roller-skating choreography, catchy score and family-friendly story, it continues to delight audiences across generations—and proves that sometimes the most unconventional theatrical ideas become the most enduring.