Starlight Express is a show with people pretending to be trains on roller skates. Yes,  it;s bemusing and absurd. But it’s also fantastically good. The story follows a child’s dream in which his train set comes to life in a love conquers all fable. Opening in the West End in 1984 where it ran for more than 7,000 shows, Starlight Express is in the midst of its first national tour.

Actors on roller skates portray the trains of the boy’s imagination as they compete to become the fastest engine in the world – with a three way skate-off between old-skool steam, dirty diesel and enigmatic electric engines.

Manoeuvring a roller skating track around the historic Bristol Hippodrome theatre wouldn’t have been easy. So instead, the cast of Starlight Express brought the classic production up to date with a rip-roaring modern 3D spectacle. The skating races are projected onto a screen while the actors zoom through their energetic performances.

There are some fantastic songs with great comedy timing from the main actors including Uncoupled, a solo by dining cart Dinah (played by Ruthie Stephens), Pumping Iron and One Rock & Roll Too Many.

Arlene Phillips, who choreographed the original, is now in the director’s seat and has reignited a classic.

Starlight Express is the most fun you will have in the theatre watching people on roller skates. It is funny, absorbing, heartwarming and uplifting – just what the world needs to cheer ourselves up.

Review by Aleisha Scott

Starlight Express is at the Bristol Hippodrome until April 6. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/starlight-express/bristol-hippodrome.