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Starlight Express is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's less conventional shows but has been one the longest running musicals in London's theatre history, running some eighteen years. Thanks to constant revamps and improvements in musical theatre, Starlight Express finally moved out of the West End in the 1980's and started it's world tour. In 2003 again the show was updated and this time 3D was introduced.
The story is about a child who dreams about his toy trains coming to life, and the race to see who becomes the fastest engine in the world. Contenders are: Greaseball, the current champion powered by diesel; Electra, who is, yes, well electric and the underdog that is Rusty, good old fashioned steam power, who not only wins the race but gets the girl he's always wanted; Pearl.
There is no real plot line to this, but what it lacks in story-power is made up by the strenght of the character and lots and lots of strobe lighting and music, oh and the 3D action.
Strangely the 3D does work. Used for the actual races there are at least three sequences where the 3D is deployed and judging by the gasps around me and hands being stuck out to stop the flying debris from smashing into faces, the audience liked it too!
The cast do a very good job at being seen and heard among all the sparkle and bright lights throughout, and are led superbably by Rusty who is played by Kristofer Harding.
Alongside him Amanda Coutts plays a very enduring love-struck Pearl. Both strong in vocals and character these two proved to be popular with the audience.
A very strong ensemble, whose members not only had to be strong at vocals and dancing, but were also pretty nifty on their feet. Thankfully there were no wobbles and the roller-skating added to the already busy visual effects on stage.
Starlight Express has been seen by 24 million people across the world, and it is a show that will carry on drawing in the crowds. What it lacks in storytelling, it makes up for by its upbeat, razzle dazzle approach. It's a show for all the family and a feel good, foot tapping night out at the theatre.
9/10
Starlight Express is a Bill Kenwright Production and by special arrangement with The Really Useful Group runs at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday 28th July. Please ring 0844 871 3017 for more information.
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