Starlight Express - Troubadour

[alisoncarr]

I saw the 5.30pm performance yesterday and I was totally wowed by it, I thought it was a spectacular piece of theatre and by the interval has already made my mind up to book again, today I have done just that and will be back in January.

From the moment you enter the Troubadour it felt special, the atmosphere was magical. I loved the instrumental Starlight Express disco style tracks playing in the foyer, especially as 'Next Time You Fall In Love' was included in the mix, sadly not in the show itself. I would love to get hold of that foyer music, does anyone else know if it is available anywhere?

I had a seat in Platform 1 area, the sound was faultless, the orchestra sounded amazing. The lighting and projections and screens were perfect, I felt fully immersed in this wonderful spectacle. 

I really enjoyed the re-working of this show, the introduction of the child (Control) being present worked so well and that young person did an outstanding job. I liked the introduction of Hydrogen, I did not find his song annoying at all despite it being featured a few times. The gender swaps for Greaseball and Momma (Instead of Poppa) worked really well. 

The Starlight Sequence felt like a real stand out moment and I adore 'I DO' and 'I AM ME'. I would agree that the one slightly let down part is the performance of CRAZY, it could have been a bit more upbeat but it is certainly not a negative. The megamix was wonderful.

I had no issue with the costumes, yes they are different from what we have seen before but this production is not pretending to be the same production we have seen in the past, it's a new incarnation, it's fresh, different and respectful to it's past.

I certainly do not think the skating was slow, they were going at times at quite a speed, I saw a few near misses but no tumbles. Someone previously mentioned that MOMMA looked like she was gonna fall over at any point, no so for this performance, a confident skater.

A very respectful audience all made for a perfect musical experience. I think if you don't go and see this with an open mind then you are missing out. I hope this version is around for a long time to come. I have missed Starlight Express and finally it's back and it is wonderful. The entire cast were outstanding in my opinion. BRAVO!

[ceebee]

Well said alisoncarr - I saw this for the third time yesterday at 1.00pm and ut was great fun, made all the more fun by the number of swifties in sequins in the audience!

[concorde]

I haven't seen the show yet (will go in a month) but having watched the Megamix on youtube a couple of times, it was profoundly disappointing. I saw Starlight Express in London in 1990, with my family, and thought it was thrilling. As a theatre geek, I immediately bought the album and played it nonstop. So I know every word to every song. When I was watching the Megamix, I realized that I didn't know most of the songs. It seems like it is a different musical, completely. Not a new production, but a new musical based on the original. Like a movie remake.  The new songs had a saccharine quality about them.

My other observations are:
1. When I purchased the Carriage seats way back when they went on sale, they were advertised as moving. "1st Class Carriage Seats: Please note seats surround the main performance area and move during show. Entry to and from seats will be limited and restricted"  Now I see they are stationary and it is nearly impossible to see behind you. I hope the experience for those seats are worth it.
2. I don't get the costumes. The backpacks seem bulky (I sincerely hope they serve some functional purpose such as for balance to make the skating easier). And the costumes are bulky.
3. Why are there scooters? Couldn't they find anyone that could do tricks with roller skates?
4. I'm worried that having control part of the show takes away from the imagery of the trains. Control was always like a giant looking over the model trains, kindof like "Honey we shrunk the kids", where we are seeing it from the perspective of the train size and not the child. It will be interesting to see how this works out.
5. Changing the gender of both of the major bass parts in the show has an impact on the musicality. Not to mention a touch of the South Park panderverse. At least in the megamix, it didn't work for me. But we'll see how it works with the show.

Maybe this is just lowering my expectations after I had been waiting a year with excitement to see the show. I was really hoping that the modernization would lead to cool visual effects, like at pop concerts, fast trains, and moving carriages (I actually thought that the whole section might move like in an amusement park ride, guess I really overestimated the production). Would've been great to add some special effects to the seating, in the same way that they do in movie theaters now.

Will add more commentary after actually seeing the show live.

[fiyerorocher]

Jun 24, 2024 12:10:31 GMT concorde said:

Not to mention a touch of the South Park panderverse.

Unclear on what this is supposed to mean?

[Dr Tom]

I can recommend the aisle seats on a hot Sunday afternoon like yesterday. Not only do you get the benefit of air conditioning, you also get a pleasant breeze when the skaters go past. It was nice to sit on Platform 1. I got to see the bits I'd missed from Platform 4. It's also funny how I've realised the seats I've booking have been in almost the identical position to my favourite seats from Newsies.

The girl who was on as Control was very good, and I picked up on a few words I'd missed before.

They don't seem to do cover announcements, but I notice that Harrison Peterkin hasn't been on recently. I can't remember if he was on the first time I saw this or not. He looks like a very accomplished skater based on his Instagram (and has been posting pictures from the audience), so hopefully he gets to go on soon. The cover (I think it's Jamie Cruttenden) does an excellent job.

One thing I really like is how much more relaxed everyone looks. Lots more interaction with the audience throughout.

Well done as well to Emily Martinez for retrieving a block off the stage (possibly a bit of costume) that I was worried would cause an accident. On the subject of costumes, there are some very impressive cosplayers appearing in the audience now, so do keep an eye out for those. This show is getting quite a following.

I don't have any other performances booked in for now, but I'm sure I'll be back this week or next. There's no Sunday 13:00 show this coming week, otherwise I'd aim for that one, as it tends to be a perfect time for me.

[danb]

The Lord doesn’t seem to know why people should go to Starlight on the One Show, other than it being an introduction to theatre? Both he & Arlene are just saying buzz words! ‘Immersive’ ‘inventive’ all the while never mentioning Luke Sheppard. Rusty was also plonked on the settee for about 30 seconds (pleased to see that the light in his backpack had been stuck back in!). Just show a clip!!!!

[fiyero]

Jun 24, 2024 18:18:07 GMT danb said:

The Lord doesn’t seem to know why people should go to Starlight on the One Show, other than it being an introduction to theatre? Both he & Arlene are just saying buzz words! ‘Immersive’ ‘inventive’ all the while never mentioning Luke Sheppard. Rusty was also plonked on the settee for about 30 seconds (pleased to see that the light in his backpack had been stuck back in!). Just show a clip!!!!

I'm excited that I can sing, shout and dance along when I go.

[ceebee]

Jun 24, 2024 12:10:31 GMT concorde said:

I haven't seen the show yet (will go in a month) but having watched the Megamix on youtube a couple of times, it was profoundly disappointing. I saw Starlight Express in London in 1990, with my family, and thought it was thrilling. As a theatre geek, I immediately bought the album and played it nonstop. So I know every word to every song. When I was watching the Megamix, I realized that I didn't know most of the songs. It seems like it is a different musical, completely. Not a new production, but a new musical based on the original. Like a movie remake.  The new songs had a saccharine quality about them.

My other observations are:
1. When I purchased the Carriage seats way back when they went on sale, they were advertised as moving. "1st Class Carriage Seats: Please note seats surround the main performance area and move during show. Entry to and from seats will be limited and restricted"  Now I see they are stationary and it is nearly impossible to see behind you. I hope the experience for those seats are worth it.
2. I don't get the costumes. The backpacks seem bulky (I sincerely hope they serve some functional purpose such as for balance to make the skating easier). And the costumes are bulky.
3. Why are there scooters? Couldn't they find anyone that could do tricks with roller skates?
4. I'm worried that having control part of the show takes away from the imagery of the trains. Control was always like a giant looking over the model trains, kindof like "Honey we shrunk the kids", where we are seeing it from the perspective of the train size and not the child. It will be interesting to see how this works out.
5. Changing the gender of both of the major bass parts in the show has an impact on the musicality. Not to mention a touch of the South Park panderverse. At least in the megamix, it didn't work for me. But we'll see how it works with the show.

Maybe this is just lowering my expectations after I had been waiting a year with excitement to see the show. I was really hoping that the modernization would lead to cool visual effects, like at pop concerts, fast trains, and moving carriages (I actually thought that the whole section might move like in an amusement park ride, guess I really overestimated the production). Would've been great to add some special effects to the seating, in the same way that they do in movie theaters now.

Will add more commentary after actually seeing the show live.

I can assure you that the Carriage seats experience is great (though in my view they were missold originally).  I wouldn't pay full whack for them though - for me the show is a £50-£75 top price experience and I wouldn't pay more. It's great fun in those seats thoguh you do need  to be prepared to follow the action. There is a video screen at the rear of the set that relays live action also.    The costumes are pretty cool in my view - the backpacks contain the battery/relay packs for the mics and costume lighting plus I would imagine there is some kind of back protection also built in for falls.  The scooters are leading stunt scooterists who act as marshalls for the races and add some distractions/pace/wow factor to proceedings with their flips and twists.  Control works really well and embodies the child's dreamscape that we are meant to believe in.  The gender changes for Greaseball and Momma are good, they work, and are necessary to soften the former "misogyny" of the work that has been accused over the years.

Ignore the megamix recordings which are poor quality and simply don't capture the immersive elements.  For instance, there is a magnificent star sky which descends over the audience; there are oil barrels with effects built in for Slick's song (and she is super cool); Electra's song is probably worth the entrance money alone for the sheer over-indulgence of the effects and sound.

The more I think about it (and I've seen it three times now) this show doesn't need silly gimmicks like moving chairs - it has enough going on.  It is an in-your-face, silly, nonsensical, daft, wonderful piece of escapism.

I really truly hope you enjoy your visit (and I think you will).  The races are slower, the track is shorter, and there's no bridge, but there are so many new things, a couple of new songs and lyric rewrites, and brilliant orchestrations from Matt Brind which really make this show fly.

[ceebee]

Jun 24, 2024 12:42:07 GMT Dr Tom said:

I can recommend the aisle seats on a hot Sunday afternoon like yesterday. Not only do you get the benefit of air conditioning, you also get a pleasant breeze when the skaters go past. It was nice to sit on Platform 1. I got to see the bits I'd missed from Platform 4. It's also funny how I've realised the seats I've booking have been in almost the identical position to my favourite seats from Newsies.

The girl who was on as Control was very good, and I picked up on a few words I'd missed before.

They don't seem to do cover announcements, but I notice that Harrison Peterkin hasn't been on recently. I can't remember if he was on the first time I saw this or not. He looks like a very accomplished skater based on his Instagram (and has been posting pictures from the audience), so hopefully he gets to go on soon. The cover (I think it's Jamie Cruttenden) does an excellent job.

One thing I really like is how much more relaxed everyone looks. Lots more interaction with the audience throughout.

Well done as well to Emily Martinez for retrieving a block off the stage (possibly a bit of costume) that I was worried would cause an accident. On the subject of costumes, there are some very impressive cosplayers appearing in the audience now, so do keep an eye out for those. This show is getting quite a following.

I don't have any other performances booked in for now, but I'm sure I'll be back this week or next. There's no Sunday 13:00 show this coming week, otherwise I'd aim for that one, as it tends to be a perfect time for me.

I was there yesterday in the platform section - was a tad warm... No idea how they manage in those costumes skating around.  I agree, everybody is more relaxed and there's much more audience interaction.  I enjoyed seeing the Swifties in the audience bagging a bit of Starlight before hitting Wembley Stadium.

[concorde]

Electra is the one thing I was most looking forward to in a new performance. It just begs for tech.

Don't really care about the bridge.  I've seen plenty of shows with bridges.  I'm more interested in the races and really leaning in to the skating.  

Glad to hear that the megamix is not representative of the show.  Maybe they should think about changing that a bit to make it more exciting since it is the one time you can record.  Would be good PR.

[ceebee]

Jun 24, 2024 21:47:09 GMT concorde said:

Electra is the one thing I was most looking forward to in a new performance. It just begs for tech.

Don't really care about the bridge.  I've seen plenty of shows with bridges.  I'm more interested in the races and really leaning in to the skating.  

Glad to hear that the megamix is not representative of the show.  Maybe they should think about changing that a bit to make it more exciting since it is the one time you can record.  Would be good PR.

yeah, I find the megamix fun but a little naff but it's better than any video I've seen online. Reason for this is the excellent sound design, I think. Hydra is the most accomplished skater and does a good pirouette and a great reverse at speed out of the main arena. You will not be disappointed by Electra (though the inflatables are a little camp) but the laser show that accompanies it is some thing else and it has been beefed up each time I've seen it. I don't think I've seen so much light tech in one show. It's an exhilarating part of the show and gets a raucous reception.

[bobbievanhusen]

Ther last 15 mins drag on. 'I do' outstays it's welcome after 2 verses and a chorus, and then just repeats itself and no one is really that invested in their story anyway and then the mega mix starts and at a slow pace. No one knows the words to I Got Me, Hydrogen ( as simple as the 2 lines are) or I Do so cut them and double the speed of the whole thing and get people out earlier.

[danb]

They could definitely speed it up or raise the pitch because it is quite ploddy for a supposed ‘megamix’.

[d'James]

In fairness, they do call it a Finale, not a Megamix in the programme. I think the one from London 1992 is the best fun, and where the songs are best integrated together, rather than a clip of a song, one after another.

[alece10]

Anyone who has bought the programme can you tell me if it has production or rehearsal pics?

[d'James]

Jun 25, 2024 8:00:35 GMT alece10 said:

Anyone who has bought the programme can you tell me if it has production or rehearsal pics?

The one I bought on the 8th was just rehearsal pics, but they’re bound to be putting one together with production pics soon I would think.

[alece10]

Jun 25, 2024 8:39:09 GMT d'James said:

Jun 25, 2024 8:00:35 GMT alece10 said:

Anyone who has bought the programme can you tell me if it has production or rehearsal pics?

The one I bought on the 8th was just rehearsal pics, but they’re bound to be putting one together with production pics soon I would think.

Thanks. I'm going on Wednesday and then again mid July so might wait until then to get a programme which will hopefully have production pics by then.

[BVM]

Jun 25, 2024 6:12:10 GMT d'James said:

In fairness, they do call it a Finale, not a Megamix in the programme. I think the one from London 1992 is the best fun, and where the songs are best integrated together, rather than a clip of a song, one after another.

Yeah the original megamix was awesome :-) 

It probably happened (in fact the whole 1992 version probably happened) as a result of the incredible success of the 1991 Palladium Joseph. That really took on the sounds of late 80's/early 90's pop and the Joseph megamix was (I think) the first MT megamix to have the same thumping beat laid down first and continuous for the whole thing with the melodies all changing speed to match the beat.
The Starlight one wasn't as devoted to it's underlying rhythm, but was much the same principle. 
Nigel Wright was the musical mastermind of all of this and then went on to have a very long working relationship with ALW.

Another thing lost at 30th Bochum where the megamix changed to short reprises of songs stuck together. As indeed does the new Joseph. I guess it's what's fashionable now. When I saw the revival of the Pimlott Joseph at the Adelphi I still thought the megamix was epic - my mates not familiar with the 90's version thought the dance sound it had was very dated. 

So whilst I personally love a 90's pop beat; I can't see it returning!

[Being Alive]

Jun 25, 2024 3:19:37 GMT bobbievanhusen said:

Ther last 15 mins drag on. 'I do' outstays it's welcome after 2 verses and a chorus, and then just repeats itself and no one is really that invested in their story anyway and then the mega mix starts and at a slow pace. No one knows the words to I Got Me, Hydrogen ( as simple as the 2 lines are) or I Do so cut them and double the speed of the whole thing and get people out earlier.

I thought I Do was the best song in the show...!

[BVM]

Jun 24, 2024 22:08:20 GMT ceebee said:

Jun 24, 2024 21:47:09 GMT concorde said:

Electra is the one thing I was most looking forward to in a new performance. It just begs for tech.

Don't really care about the bridge.  I've seen plenty of shows with bridges.  I'm more interested in the races and really leaning in to the skating.  

Glad to hear that the megamix is not representative of the show.  Maybe they should think about changing that a bit to make it more exciting since it is the one time you can record.  Would be good PR.

yeah, I find the megamix fun but a little naff but it's better than any video I've seen online. Reason for this is the excellent sound design, I think. Hydra is the most accomplished skater and does a good pirouette and a great reverse at speed out of the main arena. You will not be disappointed by Electra (though the inflatables are a little camp) but the laser show that accompanies it is some thing else and it has been beefed up each time I've seen it. I don't think I've seen so much light tech in one show. It's an exhilarating part of the show and gets a raucous reception.

So funnily enough the most recent time I went (4th - yes really ;-)) I thought the lighting in general was incredible but the laser show in AC/DC and the star field for the Sequence were absolutely next level spectacular!

I wasn't sure if they've both been improved and added to since the very first weekend, or if my heart and mind were more open and receptive (was really struggling to let go of my attachment to the original at first...) 

My brother (more of a football fan than a theatre fan) literally thought the whole show was the best thing he'd ever seen so was also great to see it through other people's eyes. 

[BVM]

Jun 24, 2024 10:47:53 GMT alisoncarr said:

From the moment you enter the Troubadour it felt special, the atmosphere was magical. I loved the instrumental Starlight Express disco style tracks playing in the foyer, especially as 'Next Time You Fall In Love' was included in the mix, sadly not in the show itself. I would love to get hold of that foyer music, does anyone else know if it is available anywhere?

I LOVE the instrumental disco tracks in the FOH and also wish it was commercially available.
Bonus track for the CD lol?!?!

Interestingly it is all axed songs interspersing with current race music. 
So you have disco versions of There's Me, Right Place Right Time and Next Time You Fall In Love. They just need to add Belle Belle Belle and A Lotta/Whole Lotta Locomotion. 

Also interesting (well to me at least) is that all the ads are playing a sped up disco version of the title track that doesn't actually feature in the show.
More potential bonus CD material I say.

(And how long will RUG make us wait for a cast recording..... Will they even do one? 6 years and counting waiting for the promised Bochum 30th one.....)

[steve10086]

One area where this production has definitely moved with the times, and is perfectly aligned with the modern world, is its message that if you want to be popular/succeed then you should completely transform yourself. Inner belief just don’t cut it anymore - get out there and get someone to convert you!

[BVM]

Jun 25, 2024 11:26:50 GMT steve10086 said:

One area where this production has definitely moved with the times, and is perfectly aligned with the modern world, is its message that if you want to be popular/succeed then you should completely transform yourself. Inner belief just don’t cut it anymore - get out there and get someone to convert you!

Lol. Or possibly not lol!

Did see someone on FB say that connecting to Hydra’s tank was basically cheating and akin to taking steroids in the gym!

[jennifer]

Fair, but I've always said that one of the most interesting things about Starlight Express (is this a spoiler?) is that our hero Rusty cheats and always has. He's banned from racing in the rescheduled final and decides to ignore the rules and show up anyway. That's a major chacter point for him in the original story - he tries his hardest to play by the rules but the people with power just don't want him there and will change things to exclude him just because they feel like it whenever they feel like it.

It's only when he ignores the rules and forces his way into the race anyway that he's taken seriously. (and then influences everyone else to ditch Control and live by their own rules - I wish they still had Control's little tantrum at the end that the original London recording has, but maybe it would have got too existential for a child's dream!)

[Oleanna]

Jun 25, 2024 8:49:25 GMT BVM said:

Jun 25, 2024 6:12:10 GMT d'James said:

In fairness, they do call it a Finale, not a Megamix in the programme. I think the one from London 1992 is the best fun, and where the songs are best integrated together, rather than a clip of a song, one after another.

Yeah the original megamix was awesome :-) 

It probably happened (in fact the whole 1992 version probably happened) as a result of the incredible success of the 1991 Palladium Joseph. That really took on the sounds of late 80's/early 90's pop and the Joseph megamix was (I think) the first MT megamix to have the same thumping beat laid down first and continuous for the whole thing with the melodies all changing speed to match the beat.
The Starlight one wasn't as devoted to it's underlying rhythm, but was much the same principle. 
Nigel Wright was the musical mastermind of all of this and then went on to have a very long working relationship with ALW.

Another thing lost at 30th Bochum where the megamix changed to short reprises of songs stuck together. As indeed does the new Joseph. I guess it's what's fashionable now. When I saw the revival of the Pimlott Joseph at the Adelphi I still thought the megamix was epic - my mates not familiar with the 90's version thought the dance sound it had was very dated. 

So whilst I personally love a 90's pop beat; I can't see it returning!

Gotta love that Hi-NRG drum machine/Korg M1 sound!