Starlight Express proshot captures the dazzling immersive revival perfectly
This week, we had the exciting opportunity to attend a screening of Starlight Express: Live on Stage. Having previously seen the production live, it was exciting to see how the immersive nature of Luke Sheppard’s revival would translate to the big screen. An introduction from the film director Brett Sullivan and Andrew Lloyd Webber himself gave an insight into the camera set-up for the recording, as well as some behind-the-scenes details from the production crew. Andrew Lloyd Webber also hinted at some additional content from previous versions of the show. The introduction gave plenty of well-deserved praise to the choreographers, musical directors and designers, but once the show begins, their work speaks for themselves.
The performers of Starlight Express give their absolute all – Rusty, Pearl and Greaseball were particular highlights. Sophie Naglik perfectly captured Pearl’s innocence and loving character. Her vocals were spot-on and her stage (and screen) presence were completely mesmerising. Olivia Ringrose perfectly played the edgy antagonist Greaseball, and hearing “Pumping Iron” blasting out of the cinema speakers was an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled moment. It was a delight to see Jeevan Braich’s award-winning performance as Rusty, our charming and lovable hero. The whole cast was brimming with energy, their joy radiating through the screen and into the audience.
The show’s immersive design translates perfectly to screen. The transformation of the venue created immersive “carriage” seating, which allowed the audience to be completely surrounded by the rollerskating actors. The film does an excellent job of recreating this perspective, giving cinema audiences a sense of the close-up experience of having the trains singing and dancing all around them. There are also some editing effects during the races, following each team’s point of view, making it easier to follow who’s winning and losing. Gabriella Slade’s Olivier Award-winning costumes practically leap off the screen, while the choreography by Ashley Nottingham and lighting design by Howard Hudson are essential to bring the maximalist and wondrous world to life.
As many have pointed out since the production first debuted, the plot of Starlight Express is not the most complex or emotionally layered story ever written. The additional material for the film did affect the pacing, particularly in Act One, making it feel a little drawn out. However, this will be less noticeable to anyone experiencing the story for the first time, and the extra content offers something interesting for those familiar with previous versions.
At its heart, Starlight Express is a campy and absurdist musical that provides a heartwarming and joyful form of escapism for all generations. Whether you are revisiting the show or discovering it for the first time, the film is a well-made, faithful cinematic recording of the Wembley Park Theatre revival.
See it now in cinemas.