starlight express uk tour 2024 tickets

FROM SAT 8 JUNE 2024

Get your skates on - the legend is back.

Select Your Seats

All tickets, premium carriages & premium seats.

Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express  opens summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre . Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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 .

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 around the world by over 20 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe , the creative team is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things ), 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 ) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind .

With thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham ( Pacific Overtures ), Starlight Express  also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

Music by - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics by - Richard Stilgoe

Director - Luke Sheppard

Set Designer - Tim Hatley

Video Designer - Andrzej Goulding

Costume Designer - Gabriella Slade

Lighting Designer - Howard Hudson

Sound Designer - Gareth Owen

Orchestrator and Musical Supervisor - Matthew Brind

Choreographer - Ashley Nottingham

Creative Dramaturg - Arlene Phillips

Producer - Michael Harrison

Unlike film, theatre doesn't have an official age classification organisation. That means all age recommendations are subjective and should be treated as guidelines unless otherwise stated. With this in mind, we ask you to use your judgement in regards to a show’s suitability prior to purchase. However, we are more than happy to help you make a decision. Please email our Customer Care team to find out more about your chosen show.

We currently don't have tickets for this production. Sign up to receive our emails to stay in-the-know.

Tina – the tina turner musical, moulin rouge the musical, liza pulman & joe stilgoe – a couple of swells, get more from your ticket, stk steakhouse – free welcome drink, q-park – 50% off.

Unlike film, theatre doesn't have an official age classification organisation. That means all age recommendations are subjective and should be treated as guidelines unless otherwise stated. With this in mind, we ask you to use your judgement in regards to a show’s suitability prior to purchase. However, we are more than happy to help you make a decision. Please email [email protected] to find out more about your chosen show.

Official London Theatre New Year Sale With our annual Sale, you can get £10, £20, £30, £40 and £50 tickets to many of London’s biggest shows for performances from 1 January to 29 February 2024. Plus, there are no hidden costs so the price you see is the price you pay.

Starlight Express

Get your skates on - the legend is back!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS opens summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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.

Date and time:

• Get your tickets now

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 around the world by over 20 million people, STARLIGHT EXPRESS is an electrifying experience for all ages.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, the creative team is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard (&Juliet, The Little Big Things), 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) sound designer Gareth Owen (MJ the Musical) and new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matt Brind.

With thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham (Pacific Overtures), STARLIGHT EXPRESS also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

News! Casting Announced

27 March 2024: The full cast for the triumphant return of Andrew Lloyd Webber's STARLIGHT EXPRESS to London has now been announced. The iconic musical will open on 8 June 2024 at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.Leading the cast are:

• Jeevan Braich as Rusty
• Kayna Montecillo as Pearl
• Jade Marvin as Momma McCoy
• Al Knott as Greaseball
• Eve Humphrey as Dinah
• Tom Pigram as Electra

The talented ensemble features Ollie Augustin, Charles Butcher, Renz Cardenas, Catherine Cornwall, Jamie Cruttenden, Kelly Downing, Asher Forth, Sam Gallacher, Lucy Glover, Pablo Gómez Jones, Scott Hayward, Lilianna Hendy, Lewis Kidd, Hannah Kiss, Oscar Kong, Emily Martinez, Deearna Mclean, Marianthe Panas, David Peter-Brown, RED, Bethany Rose-Lythgoe, Ashley Rowe, Gary Sheridan, Elly Shaw, Jessica Vaux, Jaydon Vijn, Lara Vina Uzcatia, Sharon Wattis and Ashlyn Weekes, with further casting to be announced.

Book your tickets

About troubadour wembley park theatre.

Situated in the old Fountain Studios, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a fully flexible theatre space in Wembley Park. The 1,000 to 2,000 seated theatre transforms completely to the needs of each production, pushing the boundaries of what theatre can achieve and creating some truly mesmerizing and immersive shows. The theatre also brings a new and impressive modern restaurant, as well as a fun and sociable bar space.

Explore Wembley Park

• Entertainment

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Situated in the old Fountain Studios, a brand new, fully flexible theatre space has opened in Wembley Park – the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

Casting Announced For Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express

Things to do in Wembley Park

Wembley Park is London’s creative retail and dining hub, home to some of the best shopping, restaurants, and entertainment in the capital.

These cookies are necessary for the correct functioning of the website. You cannot turn these off.

These cookies can be placed by third parties, like YouTube or Vimeo.

These non-anonymous analytics cookies allow us to measure the website usage and implement optimisations.

These cookies can be placed by social media providers like Facebook or Twitter.

These cookies allow us to serve content tailored to you specifically.

These cookies allow our advertising partners to tailor their advertisements.

We use cookies to improve your experience, users’ personal data/Cookies may be used for the personalisation of ads. By selecting ‘accept all’, you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more please read our Privacy Policy and Cookies Consent Policy or you can manage the cookies used for you here .

This site uses cookies to give you the best experience. Click here to  find out more .

Starlight Express

STARLIGHT EXPRESS GET YOUR SKATES ON – THE LEGEND IS BACK

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS opens Summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre . Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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 .

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 around the world by over 20 million people, STARLIGHT EXPRESS is an electrifying experience for all ages.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, the creative team is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard ( &Juliet, The Little Big Things ), 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 ), sound designer Gareth Owen ( MJ the Musical ) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Mathew Brind.

Featuring thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham ( Pacific Overtures ) and casting by Pearson Casting CDG, STARLIGHT EXPRESS also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

The Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a state-of-the-art cultural destination only 12 minutes from Baker Street and a short 5-minute walk from the tube. There are great parking options and the theatre is easily accessible via the M25 and M1.

To ensure the right tickets are sold to the right people, we require all access bookers to provide us with a Nimbus registration number in order to qualify for any access discounts available at the time of booking. Registering is a three-step process and completely free. More information can be found on our access page.

• Access Tickets

Venue Information

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

View on Google Maps

Starlight Express

Add to your event list, tickets available.

• Sat Jun 08 Feb 16 2025 Starlight Express Encore View Tickets
• Jun 21 Fri Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Jun 22 Sat Starlight Express - The Musical @ 2:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Jun 26 Wed Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Jul 04 Thu Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Jul 06 Sat Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Jul 11 Thu Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Aug 07 Wed Starlight Express - The Musical @ 7:30PM Twickets View Tickets
• Aug 18 Sun Starlight Express - The Musical @ 5:30PM Twickets View Tickets

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express opens summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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. 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 around the world by over 20 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages.

A rollercoaster ride of musical entertainment! Starlight Express is one of the most thrilling musicals around – a breathtaking spectacle of speed…

See Starlight Express tour dates

Wembley Park Theatre

See all events at Wembley Park Theatre

Find places to stay near Wembley Park Theatre

on Sat 8th June 2024

• West End & London
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024

Starlight Express tickets

At the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 8 June 2024 to 16 February 2025

Genre: Musical

Age recommendation and guidance: Not Available

You can now book tickets for Starlight Express in 2024.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical will play a specially designed ‘Starlight Auditorium’ at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from next summer, beginning performances on 8 June.

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 around the world by over 20 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, the creative team of the brand new production is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard (&Juliet, The Little Big Things), 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) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind. ‍ The revival will feature new choreography by Ashley Nottingham (Pacific Overtures) while original choreographer Arlene Phillips will be on hand as creative dramaturg.

Casting for the revival is to be announced.

Starlight Express will play at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from next summer.

More shows in West End & London

Mean Girls The Musical

Hello, Dolly!

Devil Wears Prada Musical

Cruel Intentions musical

Romeo & Juliet

Starlight Express Tickets

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s exhilarating musical, performed entirely on rollerskates, returns to London at the dazzling Starlight Auditorium.

Starlight Express Tickets: The Starlight Auditorium Is Open!

About starlight express, a first class creative team, starlight express london tickets at wembley park theatre.

• Official tickets from authorised retailer
• Free e-tickets
• No hidden fees

From £35.10

Starlight Express Tickets

About Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS opens summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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 . 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 around the world by over 20 million people, STARLIGHT EXPRESS is an electrifying experience for all ages. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe , the creative team is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things), 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), sound designer Gareth Owen (MJ the Musical) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind . Featuring thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham (Pacific Overtures) and casting by Pearson Casting CDG , STARLIGHT EXPRESS also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg. The Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a state-of the-art cultural destination only 12 minutes from Baker Street and a short 5-minute walk from the tube. There are great parking options and the theatre is easily accessible via the M25 and M1

Accessible Performances Signed, Audio Described and Captioned: Sun 6th October, 2024 - 1pm Wed 9th October, 2024 - 7.30pm

Approximately 2 hours (incl. interval)

June 8th, 2024

February 16th, 2025

Musicals , Sci Fi / Fantasy , Family / Kid-friendly , Off West End , Adventure

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Suitable for all ages. All children under 16 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 will not be admitted.

Important information

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 at times. Trackside Seats: Please note you are seated in a section close to the racing track. Entry to and from seats will be limited and restricted at times. Platform Seats: Please note these seats are close to the racing track. Entry to and from seats will be limited and restricted at times.

Starlight Express cast and creative team

By : Richard Stilgoe Songs by : Andrew Lloyd Webber Director: Luke Sheppard Design: Tim Hatley Costumes: Gabriella Slade Lighting: Howard Hudson Sound: Gareth Owen Other info: Video design by Andrzej Goulding, orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind

Location: Fringe/Off West End Railway station: Wembley Stadium Bus numbers : (Fulton Road) 206

Show schedule

We are a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) and operate within the code of practice STAR sets down for its members.

• Privacy policy
• Terms and conditions

• Advanced Search
• Most Popular
• Enhanced Performances
• Largest tours
• Theatre Vouchers
• Panto/Christmas Shows
• UKTW News/Reviews
• Newsletters
• Latest Information
• About/Contact
• Sell your tickets
• Embed Listings

About the Show/Event

Cast/Performers

Creatives/company, starlight express, troubadour wembley park theatre >.

User Reviews

Add a review, troubadour wembley park theatre, qr/qtix links.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

LW Theatres

• Gold Experiences
• LW Theatres & War Child

Starlight Express

Starlight Auditorium at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber ’s Starlight Express  opens summer 2024 in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium  at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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. 

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 around the world by over 20 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages .

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, the creative team is helmed by acclaimed director Luke Sheppard ( &Juliet, The Little Big Things ), 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 ) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by Matthew Brind.

With thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham ( Pacific Overtures) and casting by Pearson Casting CDG, Starlight Express  also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

Starlight Express arrives at the Starlight Auditorium in June 2024.

Starlight Express – Event Information

VENUE:  Starlight Auditorium, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Road, Wembley Park, HA9 0SP

ABOUT: T he Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a state-of-the-art cultural destination only 12 minutes from Baker Street and a short 5-minute walk from the tube. There are great parking options and the theatre is easily accessible via the M25 and M1.

TICKETS FROM : £29.50 – No fees

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: Best Seats, best availability, and no booking fees when you book direct.

GROUP BOOKINGS : Click here to find great groups rates.

ACCESS: This show is not bookable through the LW Access Scheme. For access-specific enquiries please register with KX Tickets’ Access registration with your Access Card here . FAQs about Access Card and KX Tickets Access bookings can be found here.

RUNNING TIME: Est. 2 hours (including 20 min interval)

AGE RECOMMENDATION: The content in Starlight Express is suitable for all ages. All children under 16 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by an adult. Children under 3 will not be admitted.

SHOW GENRE : Musicals

DISCLAIMER: Please note the producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist. The schedule is subject to change and may be affected bny contracts, holidays, illness, or events beyond the producer’ control.

FAQs: For any other questions, please visit our FAQs page.

Meet the Cast

Groups & Schools

Get your skates on & grab your friends – The legend is back! Enquire about our groups & schools rates.

Tell your friends about this show

Send someone a hint .

Have you been very good this year? Then help your Santa out and drop them a hint for your perfect gift.

• Friends first name
• Friends last name
• Friends email address
• I'd love to see... 42nd Street Matilda School of Rock

Search LW Theatres

Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Our Theatres

• In London or across the UK
• at Edinburgh Fringe
• List Your Show
• Advertising
• Ballet & Dance

• Off-West End
• Regional & Tours
• Digital Theatre
• Join us as a Reviewer

Starlight Express

Starlight Express Returns to London in 2024

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is thrilled to announce that, next summer, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS , which has been seen by over 20 million people across the world, will make its triumphant return to London.

This brand-new production will open in the purpose-built, specially designed Starlight Auditorium  at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, with performances from 8 June 2024 .

Ticket on-sale details will be announced in due course. In the meantime, sign up for more information and updates at www.starlightexpresslondon.com .

A true theatrical event, STARLIGHT EXPRESS will fully immerse audiences of all agesinside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing 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. 

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’.

You might also like

Full Cast Announced for Starlight Express

Starlight Express Extends London Run Ahead of General On-Sale

With music by  Andrew Lloyd Webber  and lyrics by  Richard Stilgoe , the creative team for this new production is helmed by acclaimed director  Luke Sheppard  ( &Juliet, The Little Big Things ), 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 ) with new orchestrations and musical supervision by  Matthew Brind .

With thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham ( Pacific Overtures) , STARLIGHT EXPRESS also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “ I am thrilled that STARLIGHT EXPRESS will be powering down the tracks again. 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.”

Luke Sheppard said: “ 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! ”

Casting and all further information regarding the production will be announced in due course.

Staff Writer

At Theatre Weekly we are dedicated to giving theatre a new audience. Our News, Reviews and Interviews are all written with the audience in mind, helping you decide what to see next. And when you have decided, our great ticket deals will help save you money too.

Related Articles

Cast Announced for Made at Curve Production of Evita

5000 £20 Tickets to be Released Exclusively For Under 30S, Key Workers and Those Receiving Government Benefits for Sunset Boulevard

• Join Our Community
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Recent News

First Look: Grease UK and Ireland Tour

First Look: Macbeth starring Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma Cinema Release

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

• Off West End
• Regional & Tours

• UNDERGROUND
• TICKET NEWS
• COMPETITION

SZA to receive Hal David Starlight Award at 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala

Share with :, on tour - buy tickets now, featured on tour, latest news.

site categories

Tom holland talks ‘spider-man’ and plans for fourth movie: “this is the first time i’ve been part of the creative so early…everyone wants it to happen” — sands film festival, breaking news.

• Breaking Baz: ‘Cruising’ Star Jane McDonald Cruises Into Lavish London Palladium ‘Robin Hood’ Panto Starring Julian Clary In Title Role

By Baz Bamigboye

Baz Bamigboye

Columnist/International Editor At Large

More Stories By Baz

• Breaking Baz: ‘Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert’ Movie Sequel Readying To Shoot With Original Stars; ‘Maurice’s Jubilee’ Update; Love’s Labour Not Lost On ‘Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson
• Breaking Baz: Olivier Awards Victor Jamie Lloyd Reveals Nicole Scherzinger Was Not “Flattered” When Offered ‘Sunset Boulevard’; Hannah Waddingham Livens Up Afterparty

EXCLUSIVE : Comedian and writer Julian Clary ( Julian Clary: Live – Lord of the Mince ) will play the title role in this festive season’s London Palladium pantomime   Robin Hood , with singer and travel show presenter Jane McDonald ( Cruising with Jane McDonald ) topping the bill as Maid Marion.

The annual Palladium show, now in its ninth consecutive season, has become an eagerly awaited staple in the West End’s calendar. It runs from December 7 through January 12, 2025. Priority booking opens 10 AM (GMT) April 25.

Related Stories

Breaking Baz: 'Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert' Movie Sequel Readying To Shoot With Original Stars; 'Maurice's Jubilee' Update; Love's Labour Not Lost On 'Bridgerton's Luke Thompson

International Insider: Faith In 'The Traitors'; Breaking Baz At The Oliviers; Spotlight On Superprod

When tickets went on sale, there was a moment when 90,000 people were in the queue, waiting their turn to book seats.

“That’s bigger than any 02 concert and bigger than any other West End show,” boasted Michael Harrison, who directs and writes the Palladium theatrics in collaboration with Clary. 

This year’s show, produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, of which Harrison is chief executive and David Ian is chairman, presents a cast of regulars and newcomers.

Returning are Paul Zerdin ( Muppet Treasure Island ) and Nigel Havers ( Chariots of Fire ), this year playing Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck.

Marisha Wallace, who appeared in Guy Ritchie’s  Aladdin , was an Olivier award nominee for her Adelaide in Nicholas Hytner’s glorious revival of  Guys & Dolls  at the Bridge Theatre. She makes her panto bow as the show’s baddie, the Sheriff of Nottingham. West End audiences were introduced to her when she played Effie in  Dreamgirls  at the Savoy Theatre.

Comic artist Rob Madge ( My Son’s A Queer ( But What Can You Do? ), no stranger to pantomime antics at the Palladium, returns as the Spirit of Sherwood.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud, standing tall at over six foot, debuts as Little John. I’ve been a fan of Wanogho-Maud’s ever since I spotted him as Young Simba in  The Lion King , which is still playing to strong houses at the Lyceum. More recently, the actor wowed as Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis in  The Drifters Girl,  which starred Beverley Knight .

Harrison told me that he wanted to have a year where Clary could play the title role, “Because obviously, he is central to it all. But he never plays the main role. It’s always kind of a role on the side looking in, even though the show’s always about him.”

The panto king shared that he thought it would be funny to have Robin Hood played by the famously camp Clary, and pair him with McDonald. The performer kicks off her  With All My Love  concert tour at Blackpool Opera House on October 11.

“Jane leapt at the chance,” Harrison said.

“I said, ”Look, can you imagine you and Julian Clary being in love?!” Talk about Robin Hood’s camp.”

McDonald has an enormous following in the U.K., thanks to her  Cruising  and other tv travel shows, including her  Jane and Friends  variety show and two decades, ending in 2023, as a presenter on  Loose Women . Recently, she stopped by on an episode of  RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World . 

Harrison told me that Clary relishes the idea of playing Robin Hood, though he won’t be as strapping as those who have played the outlaw on the big screen. I’m thinking of Kevin Costner in  Prince of Thieves , Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott’s gritty  Robin Hood , and Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in  Robin and Marion , playing the famous lovers in their twilight. Television’s first  Robin Hood was Richard Greene in  The Adventures of Robin Hood . It was in re-run by the time I caught up with it during my childhood. And let’s not forget Errol Flynn, with Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marian, dashing about in Michael Curtis’s 1938 swashbuckler,  The Adventures of Robin Hood .

Harrison laughed, then shook his head. “I’ve a funny feeling Julian’s Robin Hood will be getting Al-A-Dale to do a lot of the dirty work in this production.

“I think Alan-A-Dale might be the one to fire the bow and arrow.”

Harrison acknowledged that part of the Palladium pantomime’s appeal is its familiarity, though he admitted that “There’s always the criticism that it’s always the same. Well, I think people want the same, but also a little bit different, and this year’s going to be a little bit different.”

Each year, award-winning designer Hugh Durrant, in consultation with Clary, attempts to outdo the previous year’s gloriously outlandish costumes. “There are huge creations being cooked up at the moment, all linked to Sherwood and the forest,” Harrison promised.

Hesitating a moment before asking, but I wondered whether Clary would be wearing a frock or tunic and tights?

“He’ll be in the Robin Hood gear, but all on a gargantuan scale,” Harrison assured. 

Not that Clary’s complaining.

With a wink, Harrison told me that Clary’s “looking forward to working with his Merry Men.”

My social media’s packed with folk seeking to know the title of this year’s Palladium pantomime.

Harrison observed that “Audiences are kind of like another cast member, and they come along in the spirit of it, which is why I think we get away with things that, perhaps ordinarily, you wouldn’t.“

Though we both loath the word ‘woke’, Harrison agreed that the Palladium pantomime “is a woke-free zone.”

The clamor for tickets last year was such that Harrison, in agreement with Palladium owner Andrew Lloyd Webber, decided to allow standing spaces at the rear of the Palladium’s stalls. However, it caused a commotion at the first performance, when the creative team couldn’t stand in their usual spots because the general public were there.

“If only we had five more rows,” Harrison mused in jest.

The producer has a packed season, with Imelda Staunton’s turn in  Hello,Dolly!  opening at the Palladium for a limited run from July 6 through September 14, and the transfer to Broadway of  Sunset Boulevard , previewing at the St. James Theatre from September 28, starring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, fresh from last weekend’s wins at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The show won a total of seven Olivier Awards, including  best musical revival for Lloyd Webber, Don Black, Christopher Hampton, director Jamie Lloyd’s The Jamie Lloyd Company, Adam Speers and the Ambassador Theatre Group, and Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the company formed by Lloyd Webber and Harrison to further exploit the composer’s oeuvre. 

A revival of Lloyd Webber’s  Starlight Express , directed by Luke Sheppard, is also being overseen by Harrison. Sheppard’s recent productions include Live Aid  musical  Just For One Day , and  The Little Big Things , which saw Amy Trigg win the best supporting actress in a musical Olivier Award.  

Must Read Stories

Trump hush money trial: what to know as jury hears opening statements.

‘Civil War’ Has High Ground Over ‘Abigail’ With $11M+ Second Weekend

Netflix to tease new ‘wallace & gromit’ & zack snyder’s ‘twilight of the gods’, netflix wins ‘calabasas’ series from kim kardashian, marlene king & emma roberts.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

No comments.

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.