As soon as the news broke that “Back To The Future” would be brought to life on to the stage, I was filled with excitement from my futuristic cap to my power laces. A world premiere in our great city too, was the cherry on the cake! Being an absolute BTTF nut, I then pondered how they would make a musical version of one of my all-time favourite films and admittingly, I felt a little apprehensive. Please don’t turn Hill Valley into one big cheese fest. I am delighted to announce, after my third visit already watching this new production, everybody is in for a treat and not a crumb of Cheddar can be spotted during this masterpiece. Whether you are a die-hard of the big screen trilogy or have never seen any of Robert Zemeckis’ 80’s classics, this is the must-see show of 2020. In fact, scrub that, it’s the must-see show of all time (regardless if you are stuck in good ol’ 1955, 1985 or living in the present!)

The atmosphere in the Opera House was already buzzing as people took their seats. There’s nothing better than seeing a fresh new project blossom in front of your very eyes. As the lights dimmed and Alan Silvestri’s iconic theme tune blasts out, I’m feeling like a kid on Christmas Day morning. Olly Dobson enters and immediately as he says his first words, the audience are impressed how he’s got Michael J Fox’s version of Marty, down to a T. He’s the whole Marty McFly package we hoped for whilst at the same time, Dobson adds a lot more to the mix. He clearly is not just here as a Michael J Fox copycat. As we are treated to the first couple of musical numbers (“It’s Only A Matter Of Time” and “Wherever We’re Going”), just like the movie, it’s a steady start, but soon this baby will hit 88 miles per hour!!!

 

 

We are transported into Marty’s family kitchen and here was the first “WOW” moment for me – Hugh Coles playing George McFly. He is simply sensational and arguably, the star of the show. I think he must have been stalking Crispin Glover when preparing for this part as he has replicated the film version of George to absolute perfection. Considering this is Hugh’s professional stage debut, a double “WOW” is needed here! Hats off to Coles!

 

 

Aidan Cutler has the tough role of playing the bully Biff Tannen. It would take some doing to eclipse Thomas F Wilson’s iconic version. However, he put in a fine performance. Biff’s stage version felt different though – it was a bit too comic strip for my liking. I couldn’t get Spike the dog from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons out off my head for some reason. It’s not a criticism of Cutler though, he’s clearly talented, maybe I’m just nitpicking and I should “make like a tree and get out of here!”

As we are introduced to the rest of the McFly clan, and “Hello – Is Anybody Home?” superbly performed, the audience couldn’t get enough of this scene. Rosanna Hyland’s portrayal of Lorraine Baines was simply astonishing. As Lorraine would slowly become smitten for Calvin “Marty” Klein, we were all quickly falling in love with Rosanna Hyland. Marty’s siblings Dave (Will Haswell) and Linda (Emma Lloyd) deserve a huge shout out too. They brought the comedy element to the show whilst mirroring their characters in the film. In fact, I preferred Haswell and Lloyd’s stage versions more than the originals.

 

 

The anticipated audience didn’t have to wait too long before we were graced by Doc Brown (played majestically by multi-award winning American actor, Roger Bart) and we got our first look of the famous DeLorean. Impressive. With the addition of a female voice, the iconic car got the whole “Knight Rider” make over which brilliantly gave the time machine, an even bigger stage presence. Very clever. Bart impresses in every single moment as Doc Brown. The man can do everything – top quality acting, singing and dancing skills to boot. Anyone who can glide on a hoverboard at the age of 57 like Roger can, deserves all the praise in the world. Without a doubt, he had the biggest shoes to fill. Afterall, how can you follow Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown? Roger Bart didn’t just follow in Lloyd’s footsteps, he created his own path, adding his own sublime touches as Doc. A truly remarkable lead performance.

 

 

The chemistry between Doc Brown and Marty (Bart and Dobson) is more powerful than the plutonium lurking in the corner of the stage. They are getting stronger as a partnership for every show they tick off. You can sense this strong bonding between the two actors which makes their on-stage relationship look and feel so believable.

Staying true to the original script, the audience wouldn’t be too surprised by the general storyline and you knew most of the lines already, but what I loved was the conviction of how brilliant the actors brought this to life in front of our very eyes. The whole production was incredibly funny too due to an updated script which dealt with modern day life, choosing to leave out a few not so politically correct moments. As for the 1955 scenes… due to the brilliant set and choice of clothes/hair and 1950’s audio in the background, it felt like Marty had taken us with him.

The musical didn’t divert too far from the film version, but when it did, the additional scenes were amusing, cleverly inserted and were all warmly welcomed by the audience. The extra scenes complemented the story we all know and love so much.

My next “WOW” moment came when Goldie Wilson (Cedric Neal) was centre stage. What a performance from Neal. He absolutely nailed it. “Mayor Goldie Wilson, I like the sound of that!” The strongest singing performance of the night and my favourite new number, “Gotta Start Somewhere”. I just wanted to jump out of my seat and start dancing in the aisles. Even though Cedric didn’t go on to win “The Voice”, he is definitely a worthy winner in this production. Goldie certainly gets my vote, even if Mr Carruthers isn’t convinced.

 

 

The music throughout is beautifully blended with the acting scenes. Award winning director, John Rando has done an amazing job of making the production flow (even if there has been the odd technical issue on the journey so far. I blame all the potholes in this country!) George McFly’s comical “My Myopia”, Lorraine’s flirty little number “Pretty Baby” and Doc’s incredibly touching, “For The Dreamers” are just some more great tunes for you to absorb. Of course, the classics of “Earth Angel”, “The Power of Love” and “Back In Time” bring the house to its feet towards the end.
Bizarrely, on all three occasions I’ve seen this production so far, Alan Silvestri was sat on the same row as me each time. To be even in the same room as this man is an honour. The genius composer who not only brought us “Back To The Future”, he can also boast other major flicks such as “Forrest Gump”, “Predator”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “The Bodyguard”, “Cast Away” and “The Polar Express”, to name just a few. I should also mention another great who was also at the theatre on all three evenings I’ve attended – six-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Ballard, the other genius responsible for the music and lyrics, was happily mingling with the audience and clearly loves the production as they strive to make it perfect. I’m sure like all of us, Glen appreciated the next “WOW” moment as Marty performing Johnny B. Goode. Olly Dobson was now blowing the crowd away. What a performance! How much pressure he must be feeling to get this scene right. Just like “Dirty Dancing”, when everyone is waiting for the “big lift”, all BTTF fans cannot wait to feast their eyes on Marty going crazy on stage. It’s such an iconic moment in the film. Olly Dobson excelled and I’m sure Michael J Fox would be first to acknowledge Dobson’s highlight of the night.

Mark Oxtoby plays Strickland so well. You won’t feel let down by the nosey headmaster who patrols his school like one of them nasty traffic wardens waiting for you to return to your car one minute late. Again, like the majority of the main cast, it’s like he’s been plucked out the film version. Brilliantly casted.

 

 

Courtney-Mae Briggs takes on the role of Marty’s girl, Jennifer. Just like the movie, she’s waiting back in 1985 for most of it, but the stage version allows Brigg’s character to be brought in a bit more as Marty reflects and misses her, allowing for another duet between them. What’s musical theatre without a bit of romance? Marty and Jennifer’s song was bordering on Disney, but who doesn’t love Disney? Another solid performance from Courtney-Mae!
 
The ensemble deserve massive praise in this production too. Often brushed aside when reading reviews, these fine talented performers all should get the recognition they deserve. So here goes… Rhianne Alleyne, Jamal Crawford, Cameron McAllister, Alessia McDermott, Laura Mullowney, Oliver Ormson, Katharine Pearson, Jemma Revell, Jake Small, Justin Thomas, Mitchell Zhangazha, Amy Barker, Owen Chaponda, Nathanael Landskroner and Bethany Rose Lythgoe, you all did Hill Valley proud! Their dance routine during "21st Century" was something Diversity would have been proud of, with raving music fitting for the Hacienda.

 

I’ve saved the best thing about “Back To The Future The Musical” to last. The aspect of the show that produces so many “WOW” moments – the special effects. I’m not going to give anything away here – you simply have to go to the theatre to see it for yourself, and even then you’ll be stunned by how incredible everything looks. It’s worth the price of the ticket alone to watch the car speeding and transporting through time. As for the end, well, I’m still picking my jaw up from the carpet. I’m even feeling emotional just writing about it – and I’ve seen it three times, leaving me speechless each time. One of the finest pieces of theatre that you’ll ever see. It’s like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” but on acid. Even Mary Poppins would be jealous!

The brainchild and puppet master behind the whole project is Bob Gale. He deserves a knighthood or at least he never has to buy a drink again for the rest of his life. Afterall, he came up with BTTF in the first place. If you book a seat in the stalls or hang around by the back door after the show, there’s a good chance you can speak to the great man himself. He is incredibly friendly and has so much time for the fans – whether posing for selfies, signing a programme or generally laughing and joking with the public – Bob Gale, we salute you! Even if Manchester has repaid him with our typical grim wet weather, I’m sure when Bob returns home, he’ll have many great memories of his time spent in the city.

Robert Zemeckis, the legendary director, joined Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard on the stage with all the cast. Bob Zemeckis clearly enjoyed the show as I heard an extremely hearty laugh coming from where he was sat after the joke about "Hollywood messing up the book". What a night for all who attended!

To conclude, “Back To The Future The Musical” will go straight in most people’s top 5 shows they’ve ever seen. It will hit you harder than 1.21 gigawatts and leave a lasting impression. You’ll be tempted to go back again for a second helping or even more if you are greedy like me. So don’t be a slacker all of your life – make sure you buy a ticket to see this incredible show before the DeLorean and co leave Manchester for the final time on May 17 2020. Otherwise, you’ll regret it for the rest of your lives - trust me! Now then, can I get away with going for a 4^th time?

I’m officially hooked. Bob Gale – what have you done to me? I could be following this production around for years, from the West End to Broadway, it’s going to be a huge hit. Here’s an idea Bob… Back To The Future 2 – The Musical??? What about part 3??? How I’d love to see a western set with Mad Dog Tannen terrorising the theatre goers. There’s so much potential to get more of the trilogy on the road. Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!!!!

This show gets full marks for sure. 10/10!!!

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