Westholme School students will be making their debut on a West End stage, after winning a national competition to go and see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’.
In celebration of World Theatre Day 2026, 30 students, accompanied by staff, will be attending the matinee performance of the Olivier Award-winning production at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on 26 March after being selected as the winning secondary school. Students will then step onto the stage themselves to perform the song live at the spectacular Starlight Auditorium.
To enter, schools were asked to perform, record and submit a section of the iconic title song, “Starlight Express”. Entries were judged by a panel including members of the West End cast and representatives from Young Voices - hosts of the largest children’s choir concerts in the world. Performances were assessed on musicality, vocal technique, stage presence and expression, with Westholme’s entry standing out among submissions from across the country.
Paul Taylor, Principal at Westholme School, said: “Westholme School’s success reflects its continued commitment to creative and performing arts, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and ambition beyond the classroom.
“When they step onto the London stage next month, they will not only be representing their school, but the wider Lancashire community on a national platform.”
Amy Holland, Director of Performing Arts, said: “I am so proud of our students for all their hard work during this whole process. We are so excited to see the show and perform on the stage. What an incredible opportunity and we are honoured to represent Westholme and Lancashire.”
Year 8 student Izabella Baldwin added: “We are very grateful to have this opportunity and cannot wait to perform on the stage. In the words of Starlight Express "There truly was a light at the end of the tunnel.”
A spokesperson for the competition organisers congratulated the school, praising both the students and staff for their winning entry.