Adelphi Theatre, London, September 12, 2021

Booking into 2022

 

Robert Zemeckis’ 1985 movie phenomenon makes its debut as a big-budget West End musical, and it’s quite the spectacle.

I’ve seen things you people won’t believe! OK, wrong franchise, but truly, Back to the Future: The Musical takes stagecraft to a new level. Your jaw will drop and while you’ll have a pretty good idea of how they did it, the illusion is complete. And as with the pledge that theatregoers made with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that they wouldn’t share the secrets, I’ll say no more on matters of technical excellence – some things are best experienced in person.

On a most basic level, this is the movie translated to the stage in the most straightforward way. While there’s no Einstein the dog for Doc Brown, and no Libyan terrorists shooting him at the mall, everything you’d expect (and want) from the movie is here, with added songs. At times, the perfectly cast actors are so close to their screen counterparts – in looks, clothes and voice – that you’d swear you’re watching the class of  1985. Hugh Coles in particular is superb as George McFly, mimicking Crispin Glover’s performance to perfection.

All of the main cast do a great job, but it’s only Broadway star Roger Bart who gets to make his own mark on his role. He plays a Doc Brown which channels Christopher Lloyd, while also adding his own schtick. Olly Dobson is an excellent choice as Marty, as is Rosanna Hoyland as his mother, Lorraine.

Second to the DeLorean, a Back to the Future musical needs Alan Silvestri’s score, and don’t worry, it’s here! You’ll get goosebumps as the main theme opens the show and then really comes into its own in the last 15 minutes. The Book is credited to original co-screenwriter Bob Gale, while Silvestri shares Music and Lyrics with Glen Ballard. And it’s these new songs that are the show’s weakest link. That would be fatal for most musicals, but thankfully this production is so much bigger than its songs, and it’s not that they’re bad, just not that memorable.

However, songs from the movie and soundtrack are also included, so listen out for Huey Lewis’ two singles and the songs from the Enchantment Under the Sea ball. The final 20 minutes are breathless, showcasing just what can be achieved in a live environment with a big budget. The audience were on their feet at times, and one moment in particular brought the house down.

It’s an achievement in itself that the musical is even here. Work began nine years ago, with the production finally previewing for four nights in Manchester just before COVID shut live production down. The intervening time has allowed an ongoing finessing of the material and for the state of technology to reach the point where it’s at. It really has been worth the wait.

Verdict: Great Scott, what a show! Fans of the movie(s) will find plenty of boxes ticked with this authentic and imaginative theatrical version of their beloved franchise. Musical lovers might feel less nourished, but the car’s the star here. The DeLorean’s number plate is OUTATIME; this musical is OUTATHISWORLD! 9/10

Nick Joy