Name: Starlight Express
Brand: London Theatre
SKU: 46759

Hello, Imelda! One of the buzziest West End openings of 2024 sees the incredible Imelda Staunton starring in Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s beloved musical [*Hello, Dolly!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly). The revival, directed by Dominic Cooke (who worked his magic with Stephen Sondheim’s *Follies* at the National Theatre), plays at the [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) from July.

Staunton takes on the iconic role of indomitable matchmaker Dolly Levi, previously played by the likes of Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand, Mary Martin, and Bette Midler. She’s joined in this London revival by an amazing cast featuring Jenna Russell, Andy Nyman, Tyrone Huntley, and Harry Hepple. 

Herman’s wonderful score includes enduring numbers like “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Elegance,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the great title number. Get ready for Staunton’s next great performance by looking back at her remarkable career on stage and screen.

Check back for information on [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly) on London Theatre.

## Imelda Staunton’s beginnings

Imelda Staunton was born in north London in 1956. Her parents – first-generation immigrants from Ireland – worked as a hairdresser and a labourer, and the family home was over her mother’s salon. They were a musical clan, too: her mother could play the fiddle and the accordion.

Staunton first took an interest in acting while at school, playing roles such as Polly in *The Beggar’s Opera*. She auditioned for several drama schools and won a place at RADA, graduating in 1976.

## Imelda Staunton on stage

Staunton made her professional start performing at venues like Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, and playing starring roles early on – such as George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan. She then began her successful association with the National Theatre, returning to *The Beggar’s Opera* to play Lucy Lockit in 1982. That scored her the first of her 13 Olivier Award nominations.

A major revival of *Guys and Dolls* that same year at the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre) saw Staunton win acclaim and another nomination for her Miss Adelaide (taking over the role from Julia McKenzie) and introduced her to her husband Jim Carter. 

Staunton won her first Olivier in 1985 for her work in two shows: Emlyn Williams’s *The Corn is Green* at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) and Alan Ayckbourn’s *A Chorus of Disapproval* at the National. In 1988, she played Sonya in Anton Chekhov’s *Uncle Vanya* in the West End, and she scored another Olivier nod for her Dorothy in *The Wizard of Oz* at the [Barbican](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/barbican). 

Her intense interpretation of Sondheim roles began with an Olivier-winning Baker’s Wife in the original London production of *Into the Woods* at the [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/phoenix-theatre) in 1990. However, the next few years saw Staunton mainly appearing in plays, such as Yasmina Reza’s *Life x 3* at the National, Joe Orton’s *Entertaining Mr Sloane* in the West End, and Edward Albee’s *A Delicate Balance* at the [Almeida Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/almeida-theatre).

But in 2011 came Staunton’s definitive Mrs Lovett in *Sweeney Todd*, opposite [Michael Ball](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/michael-ball), at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and then 2014 saw her astonishing Rose in *Gypsy* – first at Chichester, then in the West End. Both saw Staunton win more Olivier Awards.

Staunton returned to drama for a towering Martha in Albee’s *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* in the West End in 2017, then switched back to Sondheim for the landmark revival of *Follies* at the National Theatre, playing Sally. Most recently, she appeared in the new version of Alan Bennett’s *Talking Heads* at the [Bridge Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/the-bridge-theatre), in 2020.

![Follies - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/64xND2CejXRB3Z6ove3p9q/d5b6e0a8f32307477f56697402aef75c/follies-imelda-staunton.jpeg)

## Imelda Staunton in film

Staunton made her big-screen debut in the 1986 historical movie *Comrades*. She appeared in the British ensemble film *Peter’s Friends* in 1992, and she had supporting roles in the Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson-led *Much Ado About Nothing* in 1993, and the Thompson-led and scripted *Sense and Sensibility* in 1995.

More Shakespeare followed with the film adaptation of *Twelfth Night* in 1996, and then the Oscar-winning *Shakespeare in Love* in 1998, in which Staunton played nurse to Gwyneth Paltrow’s noblewoman. She added her voice to 2000 animation *Chicken Run* (and is returning for its upcoming sequel), and appeared in Stephen Fry’s Evelyn Waugh adaptation *Bright Young Things* in 2003.

However, it wasn’t until 2004 that cinemagoers really saw what Staunton can do. She played the title role, a backstreet abortionist in 1950, in Mike Leigh’s searing drama *Vera Drake*; the film won the Golden Lion at Venice, while Leigh and Staunton were both nominated for Oscars and won BAFTAs.

Staunton was memorably creepy as the villainous Dolores Umbridge in *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, in 2007, and she reprised the role in its sequel *The Deathly Hallows – Part 1* in 2010. She also reunited with Leigh in 2010 for *Another Year*, and was part of a magnificent ensemble in the British film *Pride* in 2014.

Staunton voiced Aunt Lucy in the *Paddington* films in 2014 and 2017 (and is set to do so again in the upcoming *Paddington in Peru*). She played a fairy in the *Maleficent* films in 2014 and 2019 and joined the *Downton Abbey* cast for its big-screen outings in 2019 and 2022.

![Imelda Staunton in A Lady of Letters, part of the Talking Heads series](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2lM9kpzmFfJYTVibe3aBkB/e2a183122e18cf92819a0b3f26c6a5b9/Imelda_1200x600.png)

## Imelda Staunton on TV

Staunton’s TV career began with an episode of the *Playhouse* anthology series in 1982. Guest roles followed, including in *The Singing Detective* in 1986, and she starred in the romantic comedy series *Up the Garden Path* from 1990-93.

Staunton led the black comedy *If You See God, Tell Him* in 1993, the American TV drama *Citizen X* in 1995, and the British sitcom *Is It Legal?* from 1995-98. She also guest-starred in the Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie sketch show *A Bit of Fry and Laurie*, and she played The Prioress in the TV adaptation of Chaucer’s *Canterbury Tales* in 1998.

More period drama followed with *David Copperfield* in 1999, *Cambridge Spies* in 2003 (in which Staunton played The Queen Mother), *Fingersmith* in 2005, and *Cranford* in 2007. Staunton also played Louisa Durrell in *My Family and Other Animals* in 2005.

Staunton guest-starred in the horror series *Psychoville* in 2010 and played The Interface in an episode of *Doctor Who* in 2011. The following year, she won acclaim – and an Emmy nomination – for playing the wife of Alfred Hitchcock in HBO’s *The Girl*.

Staunton once again teamed up with Michael Ball for Victoria Wood’s *That Day We Sang* in 2014, and, in 2020, she starred in the thriller *Flesh and Blood*, performed one of Bennett’s *Talking Heads* monologues, and joined the cast of comedy series *Trying*.

Most recently, Staunton took on her biggest TV role to date: playing Elizabeth II in the fifth and sixth seasons of royal drama *The Crown* on Netflix. Staunton got a Golden Globe nomination for her regal portrayal of the late monarch, and she reprises the role for the final instalment of the series this month.

It will be a right royal pleasure to see Staunton back on stage in *Hello, Dolly!* – her first musical since that wonderful *Follies*. Tickets are bound to go fast, so don’t wait too long to plan your trip in 2024.

Check back for information on [*Hello, Dolly!* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly) on London Theatre.

*Photo credit: Imelda Staunton in Follies at the National Theatre (Photo by Johan Persson)*

*Imelda Staunton in Lady of Letters at the Bridge Theatre (Photo by Zac Nicholson)*

Learn more about Imelda Staunton's career ahead of 'Hello, Dolly!'

Imelda Staunton - LT - 1200x600

No under 4s admitted. Booster seats are not permitted on the Royal Circle and Grand Circle levels for health and safety reasons.

Hello, Dolly! - LON

Hello, Dolly!

Imelda Staunton will be back where she belongs in Hello, Dolly! next summer, as one of the most iconic musicals of all time comes to The London Palladium.

Imelda Staunton returns to the West End in summer 2024 to star in a major revival of Jerry Herman's classic musical *Hello, Dolly!* at the London Palladium.

The National Theatre has set its full cast for *Till the Stars Come Down*, a new play by Beth Steel. Performances begin on 24 January and run until 16 March.

Philip Whitchurch joins the previously announced cast of Lorraine Ashbourne, Lucy Black, Lisa McGrillis, Sinéad Matthews, Derek Riddell, Ruby Stokes, Alan Williams, and Marc Wootton. 

Young performers Maggie Livermore, Cadence Williams, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach share the role of Sarah.

The play, which opens at the Dorfman and marks Steel’s mainstage debut at the National, is set during a wedding over the course of a hot summer’s day. As a family prepares to welcome a newcomer into the fold, passions rise and the limits of love are tested.

The creative team includes director Bijan Sheibani (*[A Taste of Honey](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/review-a-taste-of-honey-at-trafalgar-studios), Barber Shop Chronicles*), set and costume designer Samal Blak, lighting designer Paule Constable, choreographer and movement director Aline David, sound designer Gareth Fry, fight director Kev McCurdy, intimacy coordinator Asha Jennings-Grant, staff director Stephan Mysko von Schultze, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG and children’s casting Chloe Blake.

Check back for information about *Till the Stars Come Down* tickets on London Theatre.

*Photo credit: the cast of Till the Stars Come Down. (Photo courtesy of the production)*

‘Till the Stars Come Down’ announces full cast at National Theatre 

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Former National Theatre writer-in-residence Beth Steel makes her mainstage debut with a play about a family struggling to come to terms with a changing world.

[*Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical) has set initial casting for its run at [The Other Palace](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/the-other-palace) in London, ahead of the performance start date on 11 January.

The *Cruel Intentions* London cast includes Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Kathryn, Daniel Bravo as Sebastian, Abbie Budden as Annette, Rose Galbraith as Cecile, Josh Barnett as Blaine, Jess Buckby as Ms Bunny Caldwell / Dr Greenbaum, Nickcolia King-N’Da as Ronald, and Barney Wilkinson as Greg. Further casting will be announced in due course.

The musical follows stepsiblings Kathryn and Sebastian, who make a bet to see if Sebastian can seduce the virtuous daughter of their elite high school's headmaster. Based on the hit 1999 film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair, the *Cruel Intentions* musical features a score of pop hits from the 1990s.

Book [*Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/36246-cruel-intentions-the-90s-musical) on London Theatre now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=36246&content_product_id=36246&venue_id=782&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Josh Barnett, Daniel Bravo, Jess Buckby, Abbie Budden,  
Rose Galbraith, Nickcolia King-N’Da, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, and Barney Wilkinson. (Photos courtesy of production)*

'Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical' sets London cast

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Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical - LON 

Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical

A must-see experience in New York and Los Angeles and following a sold-out, critically-acclaimed production in the Assembly Palais du Variété spiegeltent at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, finally hits London.


The Other Palace will present the jukebox musical adaptation of the hit 1999 movie, with performances beginning on 11 January for a limited 14-week run.

It only takes a moment to realise why [*Hello, Dolly!*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37374-hello-dolly), starring the inimitable [Imelda Staunton](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/imelda-staunton), should be on your list of musicals to see in the West End in 2024. 

Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s musical follows widow and meddling socialite Dolly Levi, who ventures to New York to find a match for the miserly, unmarried "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. However, everything changes when she decides that the next match she makes will be for herself.

After a series of delays, the musical finally finds a home at the [London Palladium](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/london-palladium) in 2024, so don’t wait to grab your *Hello, Dolly!* tickets on London Theatre.

## Say hello to Imelda!

Even if you’ve never seen *Hello, Dolly!*, you’ve definitely heard of Imelda Staunton. She has graced the screen in box office hits such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and, more recently, Netflix’s royal drama The Crown, as the late Queen Elizabeth II. But she also has a long and much-lauded [career on the stage](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/learn-more-about-imelda-stauntons-career-ahead-of-hello-dolly), earning her 13 Olivier Award nominations.

Plus, her return to the stage also means a reunion with director Dominic Cooke, with whom she worked on the stunning 2017 revival of Stephen Sondheim’s *Follies* at the [National Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/national-theatre).  

## A series of delays hasn’t stopped *Hello, Dolly!* from making it to the West End.

The theatre industry suffered some crushing blows during the pandemic, and *Hello, Dolly!* is no exception. Initially scheduled to open in 2020 for a 30-week run at the [Adelphi Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/adelphi-theatre), the production was put on ice. With the Adelphi now housing the sci-fi musical [*Back to the Future*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/22396-back-to-the-future-the-musical-tickets), the show moved to the London Palladium, which means a greater seating capacity (2,300 seats!) and a 10-week run. So if you want to catch this much-anticipated and long-delayed musical while it’s in the West End, the time is now! 

## The *Hello, Dolly!* cast is brimming with talent. 

While Staunton undeniably provides the star power for *Hello, Dolly!*, she is just one ofjoined by an incredibly talented group of performers. Olivier Award-winning actress Jenna Russell, who gave critically acclaimed performances in *Sunday in the Park with George, Merrily We Roll Along*, and *Fun Home*, is Irene Molloy. Andy Nyman, best known for his horror play *Ghost Stories*, is Horace Vandergelder. Tyrone Huntley, who portrayed Judas in *Jesus Christ Superstar*, is Barnaby Tucker, and Harry Hepple, set to return to [*Hamilton*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/20561-hamilton-tickets) next year, plays Cornelius Hackl.  

## *Hello, Dolly!* has a winning writing team.

Hello, Dolly! is a classic show from powerhouses Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart (book). Herman is best known for composing the music and lyrics for *Mame* and *La Cage aux Folles*, while Stewart authored Broadway musicals including *Bye Bye Birdie* and *42nd Street*.

With Herman’s death in December 2019, this production of *Hello, Dolly!* takes on an even greater significance: Staunton and Cooke reportedly received permission to move around the show’s opening scenes and change one of its songs before he died.

## Who doesn’t love a strong female lead?

*Hello, Dolly!* regularly attracts talented actors to the title role: Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Pearl Bailey, Mary Martin, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters and, perhaps most famously, the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winning singer and actress Barbra Streisand. Phew!

Now’s your chance to sing along to hits made famous by some of the most talented women in the business, such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes a Moment." It’s so nice to have this classic back where it belongs.

Check back for information on *Hello, Dolly!* tickets on London Theatre.

Why 'Hello, Dolly!' starring Imelda Staunton is a must-see summer musical

Find out why this much-loved classic, which is heading for the London Palladium for a 10-week run starting in July, should be on your 2024 theatre wish list.

The world premiere of [*Just For One Day*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) in the West End has announced its full cast, with performances beginning at the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) on 26 January.

The *Just For One Day* cast includes Jason Battersby, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Olly Dobson, Joe Edgar, Kerry Enright, Jo Foster, Collette Guitart, Eddie Mann, AJ Lewis, Joel Montague, Rachel Moran, Abiona Omonua, Jack Shalloo, Danielle Steers, Tamara Tare, and Dyd Wynford.

They join the previously announced Julie Atherton, Ashley Campbell, Jackie Clune, Craige Els, James Hameed, Naomi Katiyo, Hope Kenna, Freddie Love, Emily Ooi, and Rhys Wilkinson.

The new musical by John O’Farrell (*[Mrs Doubtfire](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24395-mrs.-doubtfire), Something Rotten*) tells the story of the 1985 fundraising concert Live Aid, which saw 70 artists across London and Philadelphia perform for free, raising $127 million for charity.

The musical features songs by Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, and more.

Luke Sheppard (*[& Juliet](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/review-max-martin-musical-and-juliet-shaftesbury-theatre), [The Little Big Things](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/30038-the-little-big-things)*) directs. “It is a great privilege to have such extraordinary artists join our company,” he said in a statement. “This piece is all about the power of people coming together and I can’t wait to see what this group of brilliant performers will achieve on the legendary Old Vic stage.”

The creative team includes set designer Soutra Gilmour, costume designer Fay Fullerton, lighting designer Howard Hudson, musical supervisor and orchestrator Matthew Brind, choreographer Ebony Molina, sound designer Gareth Owen, and video and animation designer Andrzej Goulding.

Book [*Just For One Day* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35497-just-for-one-day) on London Theatre.

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*Photo credit: the cast of Just For One Day. (Photo courtesy of production)*

‘Just For One Day’ reveals full West End cast

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Just For One Day | Old Vic - LON

Just For One Day

Relive the day music brought the world together.   

The jukebox musical brings the story of Live Aid to the stage at the Old Vic next year, featuring songs from Bob Dylan and David Bowie, among others.

The multi-award-winning play *Red Pitch* is set to transfer to the West End’s newest venue @sohoplace for a strictly limited seven-week run beginning 15 March. The play will replace *The Little Big Things,* which runs until 2 March.

The play, written by Tyrell Williams, will return with its original cast: Kedar Williams-Stirling (*Sex Education*), Emeka Sesay (*The Power*) and Francis Lovehall (*Small Axe*). Bush Theatre’s associate artistic director Daniel Bailey directs.

[In a four-star review on London Theatre, our critic said:](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/red-pitch-review-bush-theatre) “The play works as both a striking portrait of friendship rent asunder but also reinforced, and as a separate enquiry into a community under threat.”

Originally performed at the Bush Theatre in February 2022, the production has won a number of awards including the George Devine Award and Best New Play at the OffWestEnd Awards. Writer Williams was named Best Writer at the Stage Debut Awards, Most Promising Playwright at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards and was awarded the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright.

Red Pitch follows three friends and local London boys Omz, Bilal and Joey, who live in an area that is being steadily gentrified. The play explores the impact of this change on London’s communities.

The play, which opens with previews on 15 March and runs until 4 May, is produced by Chuchu Nwagu, Adam Kenwright and Nica Burns.

Book [*Red Pitch* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/37504-red-pitch) on London Theatre.

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*Photo credit: the cast of Red Pitch. (Photo by Helen Murray)*

‘Red Pitch’ to transfer to @sohoplace in the West End in 2024

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Red Pitch - LON [37504] 

Red Pitch

Red Pitch, celebrated by critics as a “remarkable, next-level coming-of-age story”  by acclaimed writer Tyrell Williams, transfers to London’s newest West End theatre, @sohoplace, following 2 sold-out, award-winning runs at the Bush Theatre.

Tyrell Williams’s play about the pressures of gentrification opens with previews on 15 March and the cast includes Sex Education’s Kedar Williams-Stirling.

Go on a journey to the Upside Down! [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) has released new West End production photos, offering a sneak peek into the hit TV series's supernatural world at London’s [Phoenix Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/phoenix-theatre).

Created by writer Jack Thorne, director Stephen Daldry, and producer Sonia Friedman, the stage prequel to the Duffer Brothers’ popular Netflix streaming series is set in the 1950s. *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* features much-loved characters including Joyce Maldonado and Jim Hopper.

Check out photos of the cast in this exciting and otherworldly new production, booking now until 25 August.

Book [*Stranger Things: The First Shadow* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/29263-stranger-things-the-first-shadow) on London Theatre.

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*Photo credit: the cast of Stranger Things. (Photos courtesy of production)*

See photos of ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ in the West End

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Recommended 12+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5s not permitted.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow - LON

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.


Take a trip to the small town of Hawkins as Netflix’s hit show comes to London’s West End for the first time, in a production directed by Stephen Daldry.

Look back on your year in theatre! Theatre review site Show-Score and ticketing platform TodayTix bring their second annual Year in Reviews campaign back to London. The campaign allows theatregoers to log their theatre habits and receive information about shows. [Take part in Year In Reviews 2023 on Show-Score.](https://www.show-score.com/year-in-reviews?utm_source=londontheatre&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=year-in-reviews&utm_adgroup=article)

Show-Score is an online community that compiles reviews from both users and critics, along with other show-related content, to help audiences find the shows that suit them.

Theatregoers can log onto Show-Score and compile a list of all the shows they've seen in 2023. Show-Score will then present them with infographics on how many minutes they’ve spent at the theatre, their most-visited London theatres, and more.

Users are encouraged to share Year in Reviews stats on their social media platforms. Everyone who follows and tags Show-Score's and TodayTix's social media accounts in their posts will be entered into a drawing for a £365 TodayTix gift voucher.

Year in Reviews runs from now until 5 January, at which time a winner will be chosen for the TodayTix voucher. Users do not need a Show-Score account to participate, though creating one will unlock additional statistics. Users with an account will also have all the shows they reviewed this year automatically added to their Year in Reviews list.

Show-Score and TodayTix launch Year in Reviews 2023

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Back in London for the second year, the program allows people to share their 2023 theatregoing habits and stats for a chance to win a TodayTix gift voucher.

We all need a good laugh sometimes, and especially in the winter – it’s the perfect antidote to those long, cold, frosty nights. Happily, the West End is chock-full of uproarious comedies, which are bound to make you forget your troubles with their side-splitting slapstick or sizzling one-liners. 

Mischief’s Goes Wrong franchise continues to make audiences howl with laughter, including original hit *[The Play That Goes Wrong](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/345-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets)* and seasonal special *Peter Pan Goes Wrong*. Or perhaps you might like the right royal comedy *[Backstairs Billy](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/32850-backstairs-billy)* – *The Crown* with more gags – or the incredible long-runner [*The Book of Mormon*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/287-book-of-mormon-tickets), still the most outrageous comedy in town.

Book [West End comedy tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/comedy) now on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/comedy)

![The Play That Goes Wrong - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7ka3a68P2Sse2aYzKGrOFs/bdaa0b18ed136c7d7e072516f11720b0/wrong.jpg)

## *[The Play That Goes Wrong](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/345-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets)*, [Duchess Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/duchess-theatre)

All the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society wants to do is put on its latest show, a 1920s country-house murder mystery in the Agatha Christie vein – but everything conspires against this hilariously beleaguered amateur drama troupe. 

Cast members forget their lines or are knocked out cold, music cues are muddled, the doors stick, and, piece by piece, the entire set collapses around them – even as the cast try desperately to keep the show going. Their wrongdoings will have you crying with laughter.

Book [*The Play That Goes Wrong* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/345-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=345&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![Backstairs Billy - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1Ex4RAgZbXS9Rxn6dCiHgi/5349a2f38b39a3ebddec01090e8a512d/Luke-Evans-Billy-Penelope-Wilton-Queen-Mother.-photo-by-Johan-Persson-1.jpeg)

## *[Backstairs Billy](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/32850-backstairs-billy)*, [Duke of York's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/duke-of-yorks-theatre)

Marcelos Dos Santos gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes at Clarence House and offers a riveting new view of the late Queen Mother via her relationship with her devoted Page of the Backstairs, William “Billy” Tallon.

As portrayed by Luke Evans, the latter is a wickedly funny, flamboyant gay man, whose naughty sense of humour chimes with that of the Queen Mother – who just wants some fun. Add in high-wire farce involving a formal function and a phallic artwork, and this show is a right royal treat of a comedy.

Book [*Backstairs Billy* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/32850-backstairs-billy) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=32850&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![peter pan goes wrong-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1WSNL5RQfFdTFi0vvsQkU7/1c879c05b63b8adbb1925b5d8a7ce5b4/peter_pan_goes_wrong-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## *[Peter Pan Goes Wrong](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28171-peter-pan-goes-wrong)*, [Lyric Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/lyric-theatre)

Why have one Mischief show in the West End when you can have two? Theatregoers have their pick of brilliantly catastrophic shows this Christmas, as *[Peter Pan Goes Wrong](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28171-peter-pan-goes-wrong)* flies back into town – and promptly crashes.

Yes, this disaster-laden riff on JM Barrie’s classic tale about Peter, Wendy and their adventures in Neverland involves not just Cornley Society mayhem like flubbed lines and backstage rivalries, but the added craziness of wirework. It’s seasonal silliness galore. 

Book [*Peter Pan Goes Wrong* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/28171-peter-pan-goes-wrong) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=28171&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![Dear England - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3gSfTgieBGJr4reOSYLRo7/b916291c7b3e1b68307016f5e4286dcb/The_cast_of_Dear_England_in_the_West_End._Credit_Marc_Brenner__2_.jpg)

## *[Dear England](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/33512-dear-england)*, [Prince Edward Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/prince-edward-theatre)

James Graham scored big-time with his cracking National Theatre show about England manager Gareth Southgate (played by Joseph Fiennes) and how he transformed the culture of our national football team – and transformed the country too.

Although it stealthily tackles big subjects like Englishness, masculinity and mental health, it's a rollicking ride in Rupert Goold’s hugely entertaining production, with a great cast wittily inhabiting all those iconic sporting figures. This is a great night out, whether or not you're footie mad.

Book [*Dear England* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/33512-dear-england) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=33512&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![The Unfriend - 750 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2wZGZ6m4D5xiFT8Ew3DNTz/2e85c6742316821a12cdf57a4c8ad11b/Unfriend-750-060223.jpg)

## *[The Unfriend](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26431-the-unfriend)*, [Wyndham’s Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/wyndhams-theatre)

It’s the ultimate British nightmare. Peter and Debbie befriend a stranger on holiday, the brash American Elsa, and invite her to stay – and she actually turns up! Worse, she’s harbouring a dark secret. But how can they get rid of her politely?

*Sherlock* and *Doctor Who* writer Steven Moffat made a memorable theatre debut with this hysterical cringe comedy, directed by Mark Gatiss. It’s back by popular demand for an encore run, starring Lee Mack, Sarah Alexander, and Frances Barber.

Book [*The Unfriend* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26431-the-unfriend) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=26431&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![Noises Off - LT - 1200](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2wQsJ1R53zhxTRaoIBhi9/ac3f0f9f388d9a02e1ce28ca5329caf5/noises_off.jpg)

## *[Noises Off](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26701-noises-off)*, [Theatre Royal Haymarket](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/theatre-royal-haymarket)

Michael Frayn’s peerless farce-within-a-farce is a timeless classic of British comedy. It follows an increasingly fractious theatre troupe as they tour a creaky sex farce around the country, all while dealing with much funnier dramas behind the scenes – which we see literally as the set flips around to show us the backstage.

This 40th-anniversary production, impeccably directed by Lindsay Posner, has an all-star cast that features Felicity Kendal, Alexander Hanson, Mathew Horne, James Fleet, Jonathan Coy, and Tamzin Outhwaite. It’s finishing soon, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Book [*Noises Off* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26701-noises-off) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=26701&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![The Motive and the Cue - 1200 - LT](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5E1SdOK8cBKCOBYxhlDa8/060037c4668026c05d6767f1034edff1/Mark_Gatiss__Sir_John_Gielgud__and_Johnny_Flynn__Richard_Burton__in_The_Motive_and_the_Cue_at_the_National_Theatre._Photo_by.jpg)

## *[The Motive and the Cue](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/31956-the-motive-and-the-cue)*, [Noel Coward Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/noel-coward-theatre)

It’s the clash of the theatrical titans in Jack Thorne’s fascinating and often uproarious backstage play, which takes us into the rehearsal room where Richard Burton is preparing to give his Hamlet on Broadway in 1964, directed by Sir John Gielgud.

Their sparring is great fun, as is the juxtaposition between Burton's drink-fuelled Hollywood lifestyle (with new celebrity wife Elizabeth Burton) and Gielgud's frugal existence, as vividly illustrated in Sam Mendes’s production. Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss make a brilliant double act in this must-see meta-comedy.

Book [*The Motive and the Cue* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/31956-the-motive-and-the-cue) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=31956&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

![The London company of The Book of Mormon](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/5XGa9kSpTGxkwcvjpFw3m6/cd06cd952420f2fcc3d04694549ae263/Mormon_1200x600.png)

## *[The Book of Mormon](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/287-book-of-mormon-tickets)*, [Prince of Wales Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/prince-of-wales-theatre)

Last but definitely not least, *[The Book of Mormon](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/287-book-of-mormon-tickets)* is one of the most jaw-dropping comedies, full stop, in the West End or otherwise. Created by *South Park*’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone and composer Robert Lopez (*Frozen*, *Avenue Q*), it’s a rip-roaring satire that takes no prisoners.

The musical follows two naïve and mismatched Mormon missionaries posted to a remote village in Uganda. It pokes fun at everyone, including the Mormons whose only knowledge of Africa comes from *[The Lion King](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/302-the-lion-king-tickets)*, but it also shows a sweet friendship developing. *The Book of Mormon* is a madcap comedy with heart.

Book [*The Book of Mormon* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/287-book-of-mormon-tickets) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar/8547/2023-09?content_product_id=287&product_type=show&qt=2&venue_id=135)

The best comedies in the West End

The Play That Goes Wrong - 1200 - LT 

From side-splitting farce to royal romps to dark comedies and much more, here are the London plays and musicals most likely to bring a smile to your face.

Olivier Award winner Anthony Boyle has joined the cast of [*Long Day's Journey into Night*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35498-long-days-journey-into-night), the latest revival of Eugene O'Neill's celebrated classic play. Performances run at [Wyndham's Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/wyndhams-theatre) from 19 March.

Boyle, best known for originating the role of Scorpius Malfoy in [*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/21176-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-parts-one-two-tickets) in the West End (Olivier Award) and on Broadway (Tony Award nomination), will play Edmund Tyrone. He replaces the previously announced Alex Lawther, who has withdrawn from the production due to scheduling conflicts.

As previously announced, the starry cast also features Brian Cox (*Succession*) as James Tyrone, Patricia Clarkson (*Sharp Objects*) as Mary Tyrone, Daryl McCormack (*Good Luck to You, Leo Grande*) as James Jr, and Louisa Harland (*Derry Girls*) as Cathleen.

*Long Day's Journey into Night* takes place over one summer day in the life of the Tyrone family. Closely based on O'Neill's own dysfunctional family, the story shows how addiction, betrayal, and love rock the Tyrones' lives.

Book [*Long Day’s Journey into Night* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/35498-long-days-journey-into-night) on London Theatre.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=35498&content_product_id=35882&venue_id=1291&product_type=show&qt=2)

*Photo credit: Anthony Boyle. (Photo courtesy of production)*

Anthony Boyle to join 'Long Day's Journey into Night' cast

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Recommend age 12+. Everyone must have their own ticket to enter the theatre. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is at least 18 years old. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.

Long Day’s Journey Into Night - LON 

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

The Emmy, Golden Globe and Olivier award-winning actor Brian Cox, makes his return to the London stage in Spring 2024 starring in Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

Boyle will replace the previously announced Alex Lawther in the upcoming West End production starring Brian Cox, at the Wyndham's Theatre from 19 March.

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Hop aboard the Starlight Express and prepare for a thrilling new immersive production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical at the Troubadour Theatre Wembley. Book *Starlight Express* tickets on London Theatre.

Follow Rusty, a humble steam engine determined to prove himself as the fastest locomotive on the tracks. But he’s going up against more modern diesel and electric trains, Greaseball and Electra. As the competition heats up, Rusty grapples with self-doubt and insecurities, but with the support of friends and the love of Pearl, an elegant first-class coach, he learns that belief in oneself is the ultimate fuel.

Originally opening in London at the Apollo Victoria in 1984, *Starlight Express* ran for an impressive 7,400 performances. However, the longest-running production of the musical is currently in Germany, where it has captivated audiences since 1988 at the purpose-built Starlighthalle. This production holds the Guinness World Record for hosting the most visitors to a musical in a single theatre, with over 19 million people welcomed since 1988.

*Starlight Express* is set to a toe-tapping ‘80s pop-rock soundtrack by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Luke Sheppard (*& Juliet, The Little Big Things*) directs, working alongside set designer Tim Hatley, video designer Andrzej Goulding, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Howard Hudson, sound designer Gareth Owen, and musical supervisor Matthew Brind to bring this innovative production to life.

It’s full steam ahead in this high-speed, roller-skating extravaganza. Book *Starlight Express* tickets on London Theatre.


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Starlight Express

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Starlight Express - LON [24471] Product Media

Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Starlight Express* invites you into a child's dreamscape, where toy trains, including the swift Pacific Daylight, French Bobo, Italian Espresso, and the seasoned steam train Rusty, compete fiercely for the title of the fastest in the world in this new immersive production. 

The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is an off-West End theatre that has a seating capacity of 2,000. The theatre is located on the former site of Fountain Studios. Fountain Studios formerly hosted *The X Factor* and *Pop Idol*. 

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Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Get your skates on! The one and only [*Starlight Express*](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24471-starlight-express-tickets) is powering down the tracks and back into a London theatre for 2024. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe’s musical about trains, which was first seen in the West End in 1984, and went on to become the ninth-longest-running West End show, is making a major comeback.

It’s full steam ahead for *Starlight Express* at the [Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/troubadour-wembley-park-theatre), which will be transformed into The Starlight Auditorium. At the very least, the venue will need to accommodate a cast on roller skates and a specially engineered track.

Read on for our guide to this iconic musical, and what we can expect from its 2024 London revival.

## The origins of *Starlight Express*

Andrew Lloyd Webber actually began with the idea of making a TV series based on the Reverend W Awdry’s popular Thomas the Tank Engine children’s books. This was back in 1974, and he even started composing possible songs for the show, collaborating with lyricist Peter Reeves and artist Brian Cosgrove. Granada TV did commission a pilot episode, but ultimately decided that the Thomas stories didn’t have enough international reach to justify funding a whole series.

Of course, that was proved massively wrong when the TV series Thomas & Friends later premiered, to enormous success. But Lloyd Webber’s fascination with trains continued. He wrote novelty song “Engine of Love”, with Reeves, for American singer Earl Jordan after discovering Jordan could sing three notes simultaneously – sounding just like a steam whistle.

Lloyd Webber also worked on songs for a potential animated version of Cinderella on US TV. It didn’t go anywhere, but trains cropped up again: the story turned the main characters into competing trains, with Cinderella a steam engine, and the Ugly Sisters represented by electric and diesel engines.

All of that train prep work finally came into focus in 1981, when Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe presented two songs from a potential new show, Starlight Express, to the Sydmonton Festival. There director Trevor Nunn grew interested, although he thought the current material was on the twee side, and wanted to add more “spectacle and theatre magic”.

Choreographer Arlene Phillips and designer John Napier came on board, along with the madcap idea of putting the actors on roller skates to suggest the movement of the trains.

## What is *Starlight Express* about?

The plot of *Starlight Express* has changed frequently over the years, but originally at least it began with a boy playing with his toy trains, and in his dreams, those trains coming to life; the boy also acts as Control. Rusty the steam engine is mocked by bullying American diesel engine Greaseball for being obsolete. Control then tells Rusty to collect four coaches from a passenger train: dining car Dinah, smoking car Ashley, buffet car Buffy, and observation car Pearl. We also meet trucks from a freight train and a brake truck, CB.

Six international trains arrive to enter the championship, along with Greaseball. One of them is Electra, a cutting-edge electric train. The competition sees pairs of trains competing: an engine pulling a coach. Pearl rejects Rusty and teams up with Electra, while Greaseball and Dinah prove a winning combination – albeit with some cheating.

An old steam engine, Poppa, enters to prove to Rusty that steam is still relevant, and surprisingly wins his heat. But he’s exhausted, so he needs Rusty to take his place. Rusty prays to the mythical Starlight Express for help.

In the second act, Pearl ditches Electra for Greaseball, who in turns dumps Dinah. In the finals, CB sabotages Rusty, and this time the Starlight Express answers his pleas and appears to him. Rusty is inspired and re-enters the race. Amid the chaos and in-fighting, Rusty wins but almost sacrifices his victory to check on Pearl. She finally realises he’s a good guy, and the whole group gangs up on Control to take charge of their own fates – and to celebrate a renaissance for steam power.

## *Starlight Express* opens in London

Following a workshop in 1983, the team prepared for the world premiere of *Starlight Express*. It had its official opening on 27 March 1984 at the massive Apollo Victoria Theatre (now the home of *[Wicked](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/313-wicked-tickets)*) in London’s West End. The show had huge race tracks going right from the stage into the audience, plus a six-tonne bridge which could go up and down to join different levels of the set.

The original cast featured Ray Shell as Rusty, Stephanie Lawrence as Pearl, Jeff Shankley as Greaseball, Jeffrey Daniel as Electra, Frances Ruffelle as Dinah, and Lon Sutton as Poppa.

It was a commercial hit, going on to run until January 2002. There were numerous revisions, however, with new material being introduced from the Broadway version, including several songs.

In fact, the production was relaunched in 1992 as *The New Starlight Express*, and saw big changes made. A total of 12 songs were removed and five were added, the second act opening rap was rewritten, and, most significantly, two characters – Belle and CB – were removed altogether, which meant big plot rewrites.

## *Starlight Express* on Broadway and beyond

The musical opened at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway in March 1987, and ran until 1989. It was an opportunity for the creative team to streamline the story and make changes like giving Pearl a ballad, “Make Up My Heart”, and to include Lloyd Webber’s song for Earl Jordan, “Engine of Love”. Some references in the Broadway version were also tweaked for American audiences.

The show then went on to play in Las Vegas, Mexico City, and in major tours of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

However, arguably the real home of *Starlight Express* is Bochum in Germany. There you’ll find the purpose-built Starlight Express Theater, which opened in 1988 – and the show has played there continuously ever since, reaching more than 19 million people. The venue has three levels with large train tracks, and features in the Guinness Book of Records.

This version of *Starlight Express* is closest to the Broadway production, but, under director Dion McHugh, there have been yet more changes. In 2017, Lloyd Webber revisited the show and decided to update it. Following workshops at London’s The Other Palace, directed by Phillips, several songs were added and removed, and the gender balance was altered by turning Poppa and Bobo into female characters. The British train became “Brexit” and the Japanese train became “Manga”.

## What can you expect from *Starlight Express* in 2024?

It will be fascinating to see which incarnation of the show is staged at the  Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Presumably it will be closest to that revised version in Bochum, but Lloyd Webber has also teased a “big new plot twist”, showing why “steam power is the future of the railway”.

What he calls the world’s first truly immersive musical will presumably be a large-scale spectacle making great use of the venue’s cavernous size, and plunging the audience into the heart of the action.

Luke Sheppard (*& Juliet*) is directing the show, and there’s set design by Tim Hatley (*Back to the Future*), video from Andrzej Goulding (*Life of Pi*) and costumes from Gabriella Slade (*SIX*). There’s also new orchestrations from Matthew Brind – and, of course, there will be roller skates!

Performances begin on 8 June 2024. Check back very soon for information on booking your [*Starlight Express* tickets](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24471-starlight-express-tickets) on London Theatre.


A complete guide to 'Starlight Express' in the West End

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Starlight Express - LON [24471]

<p>Starlight Express takes place within a nine-year old boy’s dream in which his toy trains magically come to life. Among them, there’s the fast diesel train Pacific Daylight, Bobo form France, Espresso from Italy, and Rusty, the old steam train. Along with entrants from around the world, the trains race to become the fastest train in the world.</p>

Learn more about the return of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Starlight Express' which will begin performances at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in June 2024.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Starlight Express* skates into the [Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/troubadour-wembley-park-theatre) in a new production coming to London on 8 June 2024.

The musical originally opened in London at the Apollo Victoria in 1984 where it ran for over 7,400 performances. One of the most successful productions has been in Germany at the specially constructed Starlighthalle where it has been running since 1988.

"I am thrilled that *Starlight Express* will be powering down the tracks again," Andrew Lloyd Webber said in a statement. "The world's first truly immersive musical will this time be an experience like no other. Watch out for the big new plot twist and you will discover why steam power is the future of the railway."

*Starlight Express* is a high-energy musical that centres around a child's train set which magically springs to life. As engines race to be the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train finds hope and inspiration in the legend of the *Starlight Express.*

Director Luke Sheppard (*&Juliet, The Little Big Things*) leads the creative team for this new production, which features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The team also includes set designer Tim Hatley (*Back to the Future*), video designer Andrzej Goulding (*Life of Pi*), costume designer Gabriella Slade (*SIX*), lighting designer Howard Hudson (*&Juliet*), and sound designer Gareth Owen (*MJ the Musical*). Matthew Brind provides new orchestrations and musical supervision.

Sheppard added in a statement: "Nothing comes close to the thrill of *Starlight Express* and it’s a privilege to be directing this brand-new production, which will bring audiences right up close to all the music, the wonder and the action that makes this show so iconic. We hope it will take London by storm all over again, and be both a celebration of this legendary work, as well as passing the train set to a new generation in a big, bold, and reimagined way. We can’t wait to get our skates on!"

The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre will be transformed into 'The Starlight Auditorium' with performances from 8 June 2024.

Check back for information on *Starlight Express* tickets on London Theatre.


'Starlight Express' will return to London in 2024

Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Starlight Express* has been seen by over twenty million people worldwide, and will make its return to London in a specially designed auditorium.

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'Starlight Express' will return to London in 2024