There's a light at the end of the tunnel

Following its 17 year run in the West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Starlight Express” is a musical that has subsequently rarely been staged, due to the exceptionally difficult technical, musical and physical capabilities that it requires. However, the Performing Arts Departments at Pipers love a challenge and consequently jumped at the chance to bring such an exciting show to the Arts Centre Theatre.

The production tells the story of when a child’s train set magically comes to life and the various engines compete to become the “Fastest-engine in the World!” The underdog, Rusty the Steam train, has little chance until he is inspired by the legend of the “Starlight Express.” He ultimately defeats his arch-rivals Greaseball and Electra before going on to win the hand of the lovely first class coach, Pearl.

The universality of the message that the show expresses is one that has particular resonance to young people. That no matter how hard the struggle, or how great the odds, self-belief, resilience and a determination to succeed is what really counts.

Director of Drama, Ms Spencer said, “I couldn’t be prouder of the girls for putting on such amazing performances. It has been wonderful to work with students who consistently rise to the challenge of performing such creative material, frequently exceeding what anybody would expect young actors to achieve.”