Over 500 schools from across the UK took part in ‘I Am the Starlight’, a nationwide competition inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
Launched to mark World Theatre Day, the initiative invited primary and secondary schools to perform, record and upload a section of the iconic song “Starlight Express” for the chance to perform live on stage at the Starlight Auditorium.
The project was led by LW Entertainment, Michael Harrison Entertainment and Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, with support from The School Trip.
Schools responded in extraordinary numbers, with 500 taking up the invitation to showcase their musicality, creativity, stage presence and joy of performance.
The winning schools were St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School and Westholme School, whose pupils performed live on stage at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre as part of the World Theatre Day celebrations.
Entries were judged by an independent panel including members of the Starlight Express company, Jade Marvin and Asher Forth.
They said: “The response to I Am the Starlight has been truly remarkable. The standard of entries, the passion, commitment and talent shown by students and teachers is incredibly moving. It’s a powerful reminder of just how important the arts are – giving young people a chance to express themselves, work together, build confidence and discover their creativity.”
Tom Sanderson commented: “Through our collaboration with Starlight Express on I am the Starlight, we’ve seen the incredible impact theatre and live experiences can have on students and teachers. By giving teachers creative opportunities to engage their students beyond the classroom, the competition has helped bring theatre and music classes to life in a way that is both inspiring and accessible. Teachers play a vital role in championing the arts, and initiatives like this support them in fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration among their students – while strengthening the connection between schools and the transformative power of live theatre.”
Craig McLeish added: “What a wonderful initiative By Starlight Express to give so many children this opportunity, first to compete and then to perform on the West End stage. This will be a lasting and powerful memory for all the participants and hopefully a springboard to potential future careers in the music business!”
The initiative was also supported by Hal Leonard, which published the official Starlight Express songbook in August 2025 featuring classic songs alongside previously unpublished arrangements.
Seen by over 30 million people worldwide, Starlight Express continues its record-breaking London run following its return in June 2024, having won multiple awards including an Olivier Award and seven What’s on Stage Awards.
The production must end its run at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on Sunday 3 May 2026, with details of a forthcoming world tour to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
