Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’ became the tenth-longest-running West End show when it ran for 7,409 performances in London, from 1984 to 2002. But now, the beloved musical, having already made a triumphant return in 2024, will embark on a world tour—with a stop in Birmingham in August 2027.
After winning multiple awards at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre —including an Olivier Award and a record-breaking seven WhatsOnStage Awards—this thrilling revival production has been redesigned for theatres across the UK, bringing all the spectacle and high-speed energy to Birmingham and beyond.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be launching this major new tour of ‘Starlight Express’,” said Michael Harrison. “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary score, combined with the show’s unique sense of spectacle, exhilaration and heart, continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Photo by Simon Hadley
“This exciting new production builds on everything people love about the show, featuring a dynamic new set design by Tim Hatley. It’s going to be an unmissable theatrical event, pulling into a station near you.”
What is ‘Starlight Express’?
As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’.
Seen by over 30 million people across the world, ‘Starlight Express’ is an electrifying experience for all ages—with some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express.
Casting is still to be announced for the world tour of ‘Starlight Express’, which features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, but we can confirm that the new production is directed by Luke Sheppard, with new orchestrations by Matthew Brind and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Photo by Simon Hadley
We also know that set designs are by Tim Hatley, costume designs by Gabriella Slade, lighting designs by Howard Hudson, sound designs by Gareth Owen, and music supervision is by Matthew Brind and David Andrew Wilson. Choreography is by Ashley Nottingham, and Arlene Phillips is the creative dramaturg for the production.
How do I get tickets to ‘Starlight Express’ in Birmingham?
‘Starlight Express’ arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday, August 11, until Saturday, September 11, 2027. Tickets go on sale to Hippodrome Friends on Monday, May 19, at 11am, and on general sale on Thursday, May 21, at 11am. You can get your tickets by heading here or by calling 0121 689 3000.