LOS ANGELES - SEP 9: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Day 2 - Press Room at the Microsoft Theater on September 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA
Andrew Lloyd Webber has provided new details about his forthcoming musical The Illusionist while also discussing the future of Starlight Express, which is currently enjoying a successful revival. The celebrated composer appeared on BBC Radio 2 to mark the launch of the new Starlight Express album and shared updates on both projects.
The revival of Starlight Express, staged at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in north London, has been extended through October 2024. The production offers a unique viewing experience, with audiences seated around or within the racetrack-like stage where the action unfolds. The musical, originally debuting 40 years ago, continues to thrill audiences with its story of animated trains racing to prove their speed and strength.
However, the current venue is scheduled for redevelopment, necessitating a future move for the production. While the relocation details have not yet been finalized, multiple options are being considered to ensure the show’s continued run. For now, fans can enjoy the spectacle at its current home near Wembley Stadium.
Lloyd Webber’s upcoming musical The Illusionist adapts Steven Millhauser’s short story Eisenheim the Illusionist, a tale of a magician who disrupts societal norms in the Austrian Empire at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative previously served as the inspiration for the 2006 film starring Edward Norton, and Lloyd Webber’s stage adaptation promises to explore its themes in a fresh and captivating way.
The new musical is being developed with a strong emphasis on storytelling, aiming to refine and enhance elements of the original narrative. The production features a collaboration with singer-songwriter Bruno Major for the music, a book by screenwriter Chris Terrio, and direction by Jamie Lloyd. Currently in the demo stage, the musical is shaping up to be a story-driven piece where the score plays a critical role in complementing the narrative.
As Lloyd Webber’s classics continue to find new life in major revivals—such as Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and the anticipated returns of Evita and Cats—his focus on creating new works highlights his enduring drive to innovate in musical theater. With The Illusionist in development and the continued success of Starlight Express, Lloyd Webber’s creative momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Both projects underscore his commitment to pushing the boundaries of theatrical storytelling, ensuring that audiences worldwide can continue to enjoy fresh and engaging experiences on stage.
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