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STARLIGHT EXPRESS – ORIGINAL 2002 WEST END FINAL PERFORMANCE THEATRE DISPLAY POSTER
An original theatre-displayed promotional poster advertising the final weeks of Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary musical Starlight Express at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre.
This striking original poster features the show's famous roller-skating railway characters, dramatic artwork and the prominent headline:
“THE FINAL COUNTDOWN”
Across the top, the poster announces:
“Last performance 12 January 2002”
It also carries the message:
“Don't miss your last chance to see the original London production!”
Printed on substantial, flexible heavyweight glossy card, measuring approximately 51 × 32 cm.
An original period theatre display poster, not a modern reproduction.
The End of an Extraordinary West End Run
Starlight Express, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on 27 March 1984.
Directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the production became famous for its spectacular roller-skating performances, elaborate costumes and specially adapted theatre.
The musical tells the story of a young steam engine named Rusty, who competes against powerful diesel and electric engines in a series of races while trying to win the affection of a carriage named Pearl.
The original London production was an enormous success, attracting millions of theatregoers over almost 18 years.
On 12 January 2002, the production finally closed after 7,409 performances, bringing to an end one of the longest-running musicals in West End history.
The closing night marked the end of an era for the Apollo Victoria Theatre, which had been home to Starlight Express since 1984.
This poster was produced specifically to advertise that final period, making it a particularly interesting piece of original theatrical memorabilia.
It is not a general advertising poster for the musical, but an original promotional piece announcing the closure of its historic London production.
Provenance – The “Big Lad” Theatre Collection
This original poster comes from a private theatrical collection assembled over many years by a respected West End stage professional, affectionately known in theatrical circles as “Big Lad”.
During his extensive career working behind the scenes on major London productions, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, Sister Act, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 42nd Street and Disney's Frozen, he developed a habit of retaining original theatrical material when it was removed from display or replaced.
Rather than seeing these pieces discarded, he kept them as part of his personal collection.
Following his passing, 42 original West End theatre posters were recovered from his theatrical storage, alongside professional stage equipment, lighting and other theatrical memorabilia accumulated throughout his career.
This poster is one of those original pieces, preserved by someone whose working life was closely connected with London's West End theatres.
Poster Details
- Production: Starlight Express
- Theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
- Year: 2001–2002 closing publicity
- Final performance advertised: 12 January 2002
- Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Original director: Trevor Nunn
- Original choreographer: Arlene Phillips
- Dimensions: Approximately 51 × 32 cm
- Material: Heavyweight flexible gloss-coated card
- Type: Original West End theatre closing-performance display poster
- Provenance: Private collection of the late West End stage professional known as “Big Lad”
Condition
Original theatre-displayed poster, previously used in a West End theatre.
As an original display piece, it may show signs of wear from previous display, handling and storage. Please study the photographs carefully for its exact condition, including any surface marks, edge wear, slight creasing or signs of previous use.
An attractive and historically interesting piece of original West End theatrical memorabilia, particularly appealing to collectors of Starlight Express, Andrew Lloyd Webber, vintage musical theatre advertising and memorabilia associated with landmark closing performances.
