Jeevan Braich returns to Starlight Express in London

Jeevan Braich has returned to the role of Rusty in Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre in London.

Braich resumes the role from Wednesday 25 June 2025, as confirmed today by producer Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals.

The rising star originally made his professional stage debut in the show’s London revival last June, earning critical acclaim and winning Best Performer in a Musical at The Stage Debut Awards 2024, as well as the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Professional Debut.

He steps back into the role while current Rusty, Gavin Adams, recovers from a recent shoulder injury. The production has welcomed Braich’s return and expressed anticipation for Adams’ full recovery.

Braich joins a cast that includes Sophie Naglik as Pearl, Olivia Ringrose as Greaseball, Asher Forth as Electra and Georgia Pemberton as Dinah. Also featured are Jade Marvin as Momma McCoy and Jaydon Vijn as Hydra, supported by an ensemble of over thirty performers.

Directed by Luke Sheppard, Starlight Express features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, with set design by Tim Hatley and costume design by Gabriella Slade. Choreography is by Ashley Nottingham, with Arlene Phillips returning as creative dramaturg. The production also boasts lighting by Howard Hudson, sound by Gareth Owen, and video design by Andrzej Goulding.

Starlight Express tells the story of a child’s train set that comes to life, as Rusty the steam train dreams of winning a race against faster, more modern engines. The immersive production is performed on roller skates and features musical numbers such as “AC/DC,” “Make Up My Heart,” and the title song “Starlight Express.”

To mark one year since its London return, a deluxe edition of the cast album was released in May. Recorded with the 2024/25 cast, the album has already reached 13 million streams, with “Pumping Iron” alone surpassing 2.1 million.

The production, which opened to rave reviews last June, has won 7 Awards at the Whats On Stage Awards, including the prestigious Best Musical Revival, and was nominated for 3 Olivier Awards. The show has extended its booking period to 1 March 2026.

Starlight Express is performed at the Starlight Auditorium within Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, located just minutes from central London and easily accessible by public transport and car. Tickets are available through the show’s official website.