A new world tour of Starlight Express has been announced, with the critically acclaimed production set to open in Leicester in May 2027.
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals confirmed initial venues and dates for the highly anticipated tour, following the show’s hugely successful revival in London.
The production first opened at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in June 2024, where it won multiple awards including an Olivier Award and a record-breaking seven WhatsOnStage Awards.
It also became London’s longest running revival of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in 20 years.
The redesigned touring production will bring the high-speed spectacle of the London version to venues across the UK and beyond.
The tour will begin at Curve, Leicester, running from 9 to 22 May 2027, before travelling to Liverpool, Glasgow, Sunderland, Birmingham and Southampton, with further dates and international stops to be announced.
Michael Harrison said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be launching this major new tour of STARLIGHT EXPRESS. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary score, combined with the show’s unique sense of spectacle, exhilaration and heart, continues to captivate audiences across generations. 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.”
Seen by more than 30 million people worldwide, Starlight Express remains one of musical theatre’s most popular family shows.
The story follows a child’s train set that magically comes to life, as engines race to become the fastest in the world, with underdog steam train Rusty inspired by the legend of the Starlight Express.
Casting for the tour has yet to be announced.
The production features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, and is directed by Luke Sheppard.
The creative team also includes set designer Tim Hatley, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Howard Hudson, sound designer Gareth Owen, with new orchestrations by Matthew Brind in collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
