Been a fan of Starlight since I saw it for the 1st time in London when I was about 12. Although I've seen it multiple times since the love racing stopped in the UK, once we heard it was racing in the auditorium in Bochum, I had to come and see it. I wasn't disappointed, it was absolutely amazing. Our German is improving, however knowing the show so well, the fact it was in German, in no way dampened my enjoyment. The icing on the cake of Reva Rice was playing Momma after seeing her as Pearl in London all those years ago.. We splashed out on the Panorama Parkett seats and I had row 1 seat 1, well worth the money, so close to the action and the finale. If you love Starlight Express you have to get here to see this amazing show.

Das Musical ist cool - wir sassen auf den Drehstühlen ganz vorne - dies bekommt von uns eigentlich 4 Sterne. Jedoch waren wir auch in der „Lounge“ welche uns für den Preis von 100 EUR (für 2 Pers.) vor Programmstart lauwarmen Sekt kredenzte und ein paar wenige Häppchen. Für 95% der weiteren Getränke wurden überteuerte Aufpreise verlangt. In der Pause war der Sekt dann immer noch warm und sonst gab es dann gar keine Häppchen oder Knabbersachen mehr - doch genau da hätte man dies doch erwartet. Das hatte uns die Stimmung sehr getrübt… am besten nur das Musical ohne Lounge geniessen.

Das Musical ist cool - wir sassen auf den Drehstühlen ganz vorne - dies bekommt von uns eigentlich 4 Sterne. Jedoch waren wir auch in der „Lounge“ welche uns für den Preis von 100 EUR (für 2 Pers.) vor Programmstart lauwarmen Sekt kredenzte und ein paar wenige Häppchen. Für 95% der weiteren Getränke wurden überteuerte Aufpreise verlangt. In der Pause war der Sekt dann immer noch warm und sonst gab es dann gar keine Häppchen oder Knabbersachen mehr - doch genau da hätte man dies doch erwartet. Das hatte uns die Stimmung sehr getrübt… am besten nur das Musical ohne Lounge geniessen.

I have been going to West End musical theatre for years and in fact saw the original version of Starlight in London when it first opened. However the German version of Starlight which by the way holds the record for the longest running musical in one venue, a staggering 25 years, is by far and away the best musical production I have ever seen. The set is epic being within a purpose built auditorium with moving bridges and three tiers of 'track' which weaves in and out of the audience. If you can get seats for the pit then do it. Your chair revolves 360 degrees and you can follow the action right around the theatre. Costume and sets help to make a great show good, but what makes a good show great is the cast and what a stunning performers. No shortage of high octane tricks and the whole thing is sung live which leaves you wondering how they manage to catch a breath. The music is live too and the orchestra do make a brief appearance to prove it. Though many of the cast are in fact British the show is sung in German. Do not be put off by this. Even if you don't know the show you will still be able to follow the storyline. New music was added this year to celebrate its 25th year in Bochum which adds a new dynamic and in fact makes the show flow even more. I have seen it six times now and frankly it just gets better for me every time. So where is Bochum? Its in the Rhur valley close to Dusseldorf and convenient for Cologne and Essen and some of the smaller towns. Its a great weekend away and well worth the money. I live in the North of England and trip to Bochum is probably on a par with a trip to London... well worth the effort and promise you will not be disappointed.