Dustin the Big Hopper

Dustin is the Big Hopper in the musical Starlight Express. He is a gentle, kind-hearted soul who is very shy and very sensitive, especially about his weight. His closest friend is Flat-Top but he is also close to Rusty and the rest of the freight yard residents - the Rockies and Poppa. When Poppa decides to race in heat three, Dustin is desperate to race with him. Sadly, it was too much for Poppa due to Dustin's weight but when he races with Rusty for the downhill final, they win!

Musical Numbers

Although not a singing role, Dustin plays a key part in Starlight Express. His only solo lines are during Freight, plus dialogue scenes after Poppa's Blues and the Starlight Sequence. He also guides everyone to find Rusty after he disappears, having won the final race together.

Costume

Dustin's role in the freight train is as a hopper. He carries coal in his capacious body, as is seen through his open shirt front. He wears sturdy work clothes- faded check shirt and trousers held up with braces. His helmet is reminiscent of a safety helmet, the "safety first" ethic suits his character. His large shoulders are a direct copy of the shape of a coal hopper, one of the most literal designs in Starlight Express.

Dustin's outfit was redesigned for Starlight on Ice. He becomes more extreme with no waistline discernible, a very large, clownish figure.

Actors