Buckle up and prepare for the race of a lifetime – the fastest show on earth is returning to Bradford.

Starlight Express, performed entirely on roller skates, started off as a bedtime story created by Andrew Lloyd Webber for his children and became one of the longest-running musicals in theatrical history.

The story centres on Rusty, a shy steam engine whose enemies are Greaseball, a flashy Elvis look-alike diesel engine, and Electra, a futuristic-looking electric engine.

When Rusty loses his way, his father, a wise old retired steam engine, helps him find the Starlight Express – the ‘fairy godmother’.

The show, which features a spectacular engine race, is performed at speeds of up to 40mph.

Starlight Express was originally choreographed by dance legend Arlene Phillips, who is also taking the reins in this production.

“It’s an ideal show for children – they love the human train. In their huge costumes, the performers look like Transformers,” says Arlene.

  • Tickets are on sale for the show, running at the Alhambra from May 29 to June 16, 2012. Ring (01274) 432000.