BWW Reviews: STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Bristol Hippodrome, March 27 2013

Last night, Starlight Express was celebrating 29 years to the day when it opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End. Since ending an incredibly successful 18-year run in London, the production has not been very far from our stages. With one of the most impressive set designs in a resident venue, taking it out on tour was never going to be quite as lavish.

Bill Kenwright's 2012 offering unfortunately doesn't hit the mark with every aspect, although I do not feel that this is the fault of anyone in particular - the production remains dated even with the attempts to modernise. I recall being blown away by the 2004 tour but watching this time, I don't remember the show feeling so random! Of course it is a far-fetched concept but it felt very pantomime to me on this occasion. Starlight Express has undergone massive changes over the years, some perhaps a little unnecessary. The love duet between Rusty and Pearl has changed several times; all of which have been beautiful songs, thankfully, but still, why touch something that isn't broken?

Andrew Lloyd Webber's music stills packs a punch in places and David Cullen has provided some nice orchestrations but the dance aspect of some of the more melodic numbers lost something for me. It is natural that the producers and other creatives wish to update the show for a modern audience but the changes felt a bit wrong personally. The musicians led by Dave Rose were brilliant, however.

The design by John Napier is basic but more than sufficient for the performers' needs. The truss - providing a huge platform for the lighting - also formed 'tunnels' which made the staging less one dimensional. The star of the production though is Nick Richings' lighting design; a masterclass in rock'n'roll lighting. He paid a great deal of attention to linking cues to the orchestrations too which were brilliant. The 3D projection is a crowd pleaser and with their limited staging resources for the races works well.

The cast were strong and the energy was very high. Kristofer Harding plays a very sweet and endearing Rusty alongside the phenomenal Amanda Coutts as Pearl. MykAl Rand who plays Electra is also the Associate Director and Choreographer of this tour and is certainly a seasoned professional in the role - camp and fabulous! With a 23-strong company (minus Swings), all impressed with their ease of skating, Arlene Phillips' choreography and great harmonies.

Starlight Express is nearing the end of it's tour but can be seen at the Bristol Hippodrome until April 6.

Photo: ATG Tickets

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