Starlight Express

I watch some shows where I feel like worlds have collided and everything just comes together so beautifully. I have seen many shows at this society in the past where that has been the case but this show requires clear diction and acting, fantastic singing for the varied songs, great choreography and the added issue of all the players being on roller skates and this task seems almost impossible to achieve. But not for this society who again not only pulled it off but did it with such style and panache that I had a night that will stay with me forever.

I have seen this show professionally three times, the first in the late 80’s in the West  End and this production was every bit as good as any one of those. And all this in a youth production where every player sings, acts, dances and skates and was under 20 years old. This was a very brave choice of show by the society.

The set albeit simple in style was beautifully constructed with two ramps from the stage to the floor and seating three sides of the floor area. The lighting was stunning, enhancing each scene beautifully. The sound was great with the band behind the set and Paul Firth did a great job with the cast on their solo numbers, duets and ensemble pieces which were fantastic.

The costumes and make up were absolutely stunning with each character denoting a train or carriage and individuality was important to each one.

Not sure where to start with the cast as each and every one of them were utterly brilliant and stayed in character throughout. Sheer energy, professionalism and talent poured out of each and every one of them. I loved the little details and characters of each one.

Violet Winterbottom played the Voice of Control and did a super job as her diction was crystal clear. The Engines were all amazing with great individuality. Cameron Hall was absolutely stunning vocally and in demeanour as Poppa the old steam engine. “Poppa’s Blues” and “Starlight Short” were fantastic numbers for this talented young man.

Tom Kehoe was a brilliant Electra with such style and grace whilst skating and singing with plenty of attitude. Josh Hankey was a fantastic Greaseball a part which requires stage presence in buckets which Josh more than delivered. “One Rock and Roll Too Many” with Tom as Electra and Mason Thomas as Red Caboose was a superb version with great vocals and choreography. And that came straight after Race 4!

The Trucks were all brilliant and a special mention for Ricardo Atherton playing Dustin (Big Hopper) who had great vocals and lit up the stage whenever he was on it.

The Components were stunning and skated in unison like professionals especially with Electra. The Trax Marshalls never out of character also skated well and kept the vision of a race track and marshalling that.

The Coaches were simply gorgeous, sounding fabulous with some beautiful harmonies and each acting their parts fantastically. Well done Molly France as Buffet Car, Rhona Butler as Sleeping Car and Emily Clarke as Dinah. One of my favourite numbers is Uncoupled and it was acted and sung with great conviction. I loved it.

The shows leading characters with Emily Lyons as Pearl and Jake Hankey as Rusty were amazing. I know Jake had lost his voice earlier in the week but his version of Starlight Express was beautiful. The clarity of character and vulnerability in his vocals added to the characterisation and I found myself really feeling for the rusty engine who bought a tear to my eye. Emily as Pearl was brilliantly played and with the most gorgeous vocals on such numbers as “He’ll Whistle at Me”, “Make up my Heart” and “I Do” with Jake. Emily commanded the stage and looked every inch the leading lady. Well done to both of you on such well rounded performances that I genuinely believed in.

The show was a brave choice by a society who never shy away from the challenging musicals. This show was clearly driven by the production team and the amazing dedication of Gary Jones-McCaw who not only directed but also choreographed this stunning piece of theatre. Hours of skating practice before dances could be set, great characterisation and every one of the cast projecting enjoyment to the audience all stems from Gary’s dedication to this talented group of young people.

I never thought an amateur society would even attempt this show but to be able to pull this off with such a stunning production is testament to every one involved at Mossley. You never cease to amaze me and I’m so proud of each and every one of you. Memories I will never forget.

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