As a Christmas present, had the pleasure of seeing the new Back to the Future musical at the Adelphi Theatre on London's Strand.
BTTF is one of my favourite films of all time, a screenplay that is perfection and features two great performances in Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd whose friendship is tested by 30 years, and yet the story of Marty McFly travelling back in time in a DeLorean to 1955 to encounter his parents before they meet and putting in peril the space-time continuum is the basis for a new musical built around the inspirational score by Alan Silvestri with new original songs and lyrics by original screenwriter Bob Gale and Glen Ballard.
The show is a jumping gigawatt of energy and enthusiasm, from the outset there have been adjustments to bring the show up to the 21st century with the removal of Libyan terrorists completely and satirical asides about the future, 'No hunger, no war, no disease'.
The songs at the start of the show do not carry muster personally speaking, and it is only the injection of Doc Brown (portrayed here by Mark Oxtoby, understudy to Roger Bart) that the show and songs raise their game as the friendship between Marty and Doc takes centre stage, this is a friendship that has to stand the test of time with Marty knowing what may happen.
The show is further helped by the portrayal of George McFly by Hugh Coles (Olivier nominated and favourite perhaps) who takes the socially awkward and guffawing of Crispin Glover's screen performance and amps it up but maintaining a genuine sincerity to the role, his arc culminating in the punch to Biff which rightly gets a round of applause by the audience.
The second act begins with a storming '21st Century' number for Doc Brown that helps crank up the pace of show that does not ease up, leading to George's punch of Biff, and Marty's playing of guitar with 'Johnny B. Goode' and 'The Power of Love'
Further, the technical wizardry on offer at the show is outstanding, the use of the stage incorporating the DeLorean as an actual prop and device that can move thanks to back projection and lighting heralds a new dawn of theatre going with an immersive, special effects driven show. A car has flown on stage before with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but this is added effect and it pays off.
By the film's conclusion, with Silvestri's marvellous horn driven score sounding out this viewer (and his wife) had a happy tear rolling down his cheek. It was like I was watching the film again for the first time, the thrill of the car reaching for 88mph.
This show is suitable for fans old and new of the film, and for new theatre goers also this is a great gateway to the magic of musical theatre, great sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment by all, with people singing along to Huey Lewis' mega-hit. This is something for all ages.
Back to the Future is at the Adelphi Theatre, London where tickets are available.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7.30pm.
Wednesday/Saturday 2.30pm Matinee. Sunday 3pm Matinee
It has been nominated for 7 Olivier Awards which will be awarded in April; including Best New Musical, Best Lead Actor in a Musical (Olly Dobson) and Supporting Actor in a Musical (Hugh Coles - one to watch).
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