ONE of the West End's most famous musicals is coming to Hull.

Starlight Express has been wowing audiences for more than 25 years as one of the longest-running musicals in theatre history.

Now, the Andrew Lloyd Webber spectacular about a toy train set coming to life is to be staged at Hull New Theatre.

It will be rolling into the city from Tuesday, October 16, to Saturday, October 27, as part of a UK tour run by top theatre production company Bill Kenwright Ltd.

Tickets went on sale last Friday, with 50 snapped up within the first hour.

Joanna Baines, audience development manager, said: "This will be a great event for the theatre.

"Starlight Express has huge entertainment value.

"It is a high-octane production – the lights, the music and sets, the whole package.

"Musicals are a huge part of our package because they are really popular, but we try to get a mix of everything and because we're a council venue, we want to provide something for everyone."

It is the second time Starlight Express, which is famous for being performed entirely on roller skates, has come to Hull New Theatre.

It was last shown in the city five years ago, during the 2007 floods.

Ms Baines said: "We were all swimming around the dressing rooms. We did really good business, but the floods did overshadow it.

"We have liaised with Bill Kenwright and had a lot of their productions and built up a relationship with them over the years.

"We've had success with their productions Joseph and Blood Brothers.

"We've had good audiences, which is why they come back here."

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge and choreographer Arlene Phillips, who formulated the original dances, has been bought back on board for the 2012 production.

Bill Kenwright Ltd has not yet chosen the cast for the forthcoming production.

Tickets for Starlight Express cost £16.50 to £36 and can be booked by calling 01482 300300.