ANDREW Lloyd Webber's smash hit musical Starlight Express is touring the UK for the first time - and it will be at The Mayflower, Southampton, from May 11 to June 18.

This spectacular new production has been specially redesigned for the UK tour by members of the show's original creative team, including legendary designer John Napier (Cats, Les Misrables, Miss Saigon) and choreographer Arlene Phillips (Grease, Saturday Night Fever).

With its dazzling sets, state-of-the-art technology and electrifying score, Starlight Express is a futuristic tale of the triumph of love and hope in the face of adversity and is a feel-good musical.

It is second only to Cats as the world's longest-running musical, having opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on March 27, 1984, and, over the years, played to more than eight million people until its final performance on January 12, 2002.

During its 18 years in the West End, the show took a staggering £140million at the box office and achieved international success with USA productions on Broadway, in Las Vegas and on tour, as well as in Japan, Australia and Germany, where it is still playing.

The original West End production, with music by Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, was directed by Trevor Nunn. The UK tour features additional lyrics by David Yazbek.

The latest tour is produced by David Ian for Clear Channel Entertainment in association with The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Tickets are available by calling The Mayflower on 023 8071 1811, logging on to www.the-mayflower.com or by visiting Ticket South, at the WestQuay Information Desk, Southampton.