'Starlight Express' to take part in BBC Children in Need 2025

Starlight Express is joining this year’s fundraising effort by making a donation to BBC Children in Need.

It's time to race! Starlight Express will train a member of The One Show’s Challenge Squad to perform with the musical's cast as part of this year's Children in Need campaign.

Eloise from East Ayrshire will take to the stage with the Starlight Express cast for the BBC Children in Need 2025 Appeal Night on 14 November. The Challenge Squad includes inspirational young people who have benefitted from Children in Need funding and are taking on challenges to help make a difference to young lives.

On being a part of the Challenge Squad, Eloise said: “Performing with the Starlight Express cast for BBC Children in Need is going to be incredible! I’ve already started practising, met the amazing cast and even had the chance to get my skates on. BBC Children in Need has made a real difference in my life by helping to fund East Ayrshire Young Carers, so I wanted to take on this challenge to give back and help other young people. I’m going to give it my absolute best!”

Alex Jones, who is mentoring Eloise ahead of her challenge, said: "It’s a joy to be back with the Challenge Squad this year. These young people are truly remarkable - full of courage and determination. I’m so proud to be working with them and helping to share their stories with the nation. The challenges they’re taking on are no small feat, but we know they’ll each give it everything they’ve got."

Starlight Express is joining this year’s fundraising effort by making a donation to BBC Children in Need. A portion of ticket sales from 5-16 November and bucket collections during the live shows at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre will go to the nationwide campaign.

Michael Harrison, producer of Starlight Express, said: “I am thrilled that Starlight Express has the opportunity to support BBC Children in Need this year. Andrew originally created the show so that his own children could enjoy the magic of live theatre, and over the last two years we have seen so many families and young children visit the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley for their own first experience of a musical. It feels especially fitting that, through this partnership, the show will now help to create more opportunities for young people across the UK.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical tells the story of a child whose train set comes to life, and includes songs such as "AC/DC," "Make Up My Heart," "Light at the End of the Tunnel", and "Starlight Express."

Book Starlight Express tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Starlight Express. (Photo by Pamela Raith)