Back to the Future: The Musical ★★★★★ Adelphi Theatre | From September 13, 2021


The future of the theatre is here! Whether you are a fan of the film franchise or have never seen one of the movie blockbusters, you will love this show. It's a wonderful immersive experience that captures all of the fun and silliness of the original while taking theatrical spectacle to a whole new level. Finn Ross (video design) and Tim Lutkin (lighting design) really have pulled out all the stops. The visual effects are quite stunning, but the great thing here is that the terrific cast of performers are not overwhelmed by these production values. We completely shared Olly Dobson's wonder as he created a completely credible Marty McFly, and Roger Bart was wonderfully goofy as Doc Brown, the unlikely inventor of the time machine. The other stand-out for us was Hugh Coles as the awkward, endearing George McFly. Kudos also to Rosanna Hyland (Lorraine Baines) and Aidan Cutler (Biff). For this production, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard have contributed several new songs but the old favourites "Power of Love" and "Johnny B. Goode" remain the show's highlights. Strong choreography by Chris Bailey, on-the-mark sets by Tim Hatley and deft direction by John Rando – it all worked for us. Power up the DeLorean! We can easily imagine ourselves going back to this Future again and again.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by S.B.
Photo by Sean Ebsworth Barnes.

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Canned Goods ★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Jan 16 - Feb 8, 2025

What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank ★★★★ Marylebone Theatre | Jan 20 - Feb 15, 2025

Kyoto ★★★★★ @sohoplace | Until May 3, 2025

The Bowie Show ★★★ Lyric Theatre | February 10, 2025 & UK Tour

FIREBIRD ★★★★★ King's Head Theatre | Jan 9 - Feb 9, 2025

Macbeth ★★★★ Donmar Theatre | Cinemas from February 5, 2025

A Good House ★★★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Jan 11 - Feb 8, 2025

Scissorhandz – A Musical Reinvented ★★ Southwark Playhouse, Elephant | Jan 23 - Mar 29, 2025

The Maids ★★★ Jermyn Street Theatre | January 9 - 22, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings