I was fortunate enough to get some last minute rush tickets from Today Tix (check them out if you haven't - they're great for cheap on-the-day tickets for shows) to see Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre. And GREAT SCOTT, it blew me away!
For those who don't know, the musical is based on the classic 1985 movie of the same name and follows the adventures of Marty McFly as he heads back in time in a time machine made by Doc Brown. It features original music from Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, alongside the hits from the movie like 'Johnny B. Goode' and 'The Power of Love.'
Firstly, the cast was absolutely outstanding! I saw the principal Doc (Roger Bart) on who just encapsulated everything Doc is but still managed to put his own twist on the character. I also saw the principal George McFly, Hugh Coles (now a very well deserved WhatsonStage award winner!), who was just the perfect George - comedic and loveable. We had some brilliant alternates/covers for some of the cast too including Will Haswell for Marty who played the role perfectly - what a talent. When not playing Marty, he plays the role of Marty's brother, Dave, and how someone with that talent can have a minor role in a musical is just beyond me! Similarly, Joshua Clemetson played Goldie Wilson/Marvin Berry (usually ensemble) and Katharine Pearson covered Lorraine (usually Clocktower Woman), both of whom were just incredible in those roles.
Secondly, the music is just insanely good. Of course there are the classics which everyone knows from the films - 'The Power of Love,' 'Johnny B. Goode,' and 'Back in Time' - but the original songs are also so fantastic. My favourite by far was 'Put Your Mind To It,' one which I'd seen performed on shows before seeing the show, which is just full of comedy but is also just such a catchy song. But all the songs were just amazing and watching them performed, some of them were a real spectacle.
Thirdly, the set design and staging was out of this world!!! How they managed to pull of some of the things they did is seriously just insane. Whilst I certainly won't spoil some elements of the show (you can see those for yourselves!), whilst I understand how they managed to make it look like the car was driving around the streets, watching it you still feel like it's just pure magic. Similarly, when Doc is stood at the top of the clock tower, you feel like he's genuinely up there. Even before the show has started, around the stage is tonnes of blue panelling and lights which looks great (not something I've personally ever seen before).
If you can't tell already - I loved the show and can't wait to go see it again (if I can!). A well deserved five stars for this show!
★★★★★
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