The Mayflower Southampton

Andrew Lloyd Webber's
Starlight Express
The 3rd Dimension! Synopsis

Tue 20 Mar - Sat 7 April 2007

Mon - Sat 7.30pm Thu & Sat 2.00pm

As the show begins, an unseen nine year old boy playing with his model train set is sent to bed by his (also unseen) mother. As he slumbers, his imagination (the Controller) takes over, controlling the engines and cars, giving each a life and personality of its own. In his dreams a competition is declared whereby each train engine will pull one car in a series of death-defying races.

Key characters include Rusty, a shy, well-intentioned steam engine who fears modern technology has passed him by; Greaseball, the cocky diesel engine (who bears a strong resemblance to Elvis); Electra, a state-of-the-art electric engine with an aura of an androgynous rock star; and Poppa, Rusty's father and a retired old steam engine who comes out of retirement to preserve the honour of steam-powered engines and set an example for his son.

Other engines make this an international competition: Ruhrgold (Germany) Turnov (Russia) Nintendo (Japan) and the Prince of Wales (Great Britain) complete the field.

The engines couple and uncouple for the races (and in their relationships) with Pearl, the observation car who cant' decided between Rusty, Greaseball and Electra; Dinah, the dining car who is meant for Greaseball; Ashley the smoking car who doesn't mind sharing advice on any issue; Buffy the snack car with something for everyone; Red Caboose, an unworthy ally; and Dustin the coal car who can be a heavy load to pull but offers needed support for a steam engine.

Other cars include Hip Hoppers I, II and III and the Coal Carriers who hang out with Greaseball, Flat-Top, who carries the large flat loads and Electra's entourage; Joule, Wrench, Volta and Purse.