Starlight Express was originally conceived in the 1970's by Andrew Lloyd Webber as a kind of fairy tale. However, the original magic is thought by many people to have been lost through the shows many revisions and changed. To ensure that it remained popular through the eighties and into today’s society, it has been made a lot more ‘edgy’. But had it really been spoilt? I went along to find out for myself. I saw the show about ten years ago in the West End, but this time I caught it on tour at The Cliffs Pavillion, Southend. This new UK tour started in late 2004; emphasis on the plot has made way for the focus on attracting all ages, and so as a whole, the production is far more ‘flashy’. Stunts skaters are used to try and capture the excitement that the London show originally created. There was also a chance to don some rather fetching 3D goggles to watch the races. This tried to compensate for the fact that there was no track running through the audience as there used to be in the West End. I don't think it lost any of the original magic and excitement, but it was very different. My favourite song, ‘Crazy’ was still in the show and I was sat tapping my toes and mouthing the words along. (Honestly, it’s not tragic that I know almost every word of the whole show off by heart!) The female skaters, who play ‘the carriages’ were on top form and so the dance routines were very slick and polished. In fact there were no mishaps, no one fell over, or even so much as moved out of time. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to get any professional dance lessons with the cast, so I did do a few D.I.Y lessons at home. But instead of trying the funky moves the dancers performed on skates, I thought I'd go one better and give it a go on roller blades. Let me just say, don't try this at home kids. I now have a very bruised bottom. As much as I enjoyed the show, perhaps I won't be joining the cast any time soon! | 
