Now, I’ve always been a big fan of the “Back to the Future” movies. Growing up, Marty McFly and Doc Brown were like heroes to me. So when I heard there was a musical, I knew I had to see how they managed to fit a DeLorean on stage. I dragged my wife along with me, and even she enjoyed it—and she’s not the biggest sci-fi fan, believe me.
First off, the set design was just top-notch. As a guy who spends his days thinking about frames and panes, I was impressed by how they recreated the whole 1980s Hill Valley scene and then flipped it to the 1950s. The attention to detail was incredible, right down to the vintage cars and costumes. Seeing that iconic clock tower made me feel like I’d traveled back in time myself, without needing 1.21 gigawatts of power!
The real highlight, though, was the DeLorean. It’s practically a character in itself, right? They had it flying and spinning all over the place. I don’t know how they pulled it off—some stage magic I guess—but the audience was blown away every time it took off. I reckon even the lads at work who are always banging on about their fast cars would be impressed.
The performances were spot-on. Olly Dobson, who played Marty, had the whole look and vibe down perfectly, and Roger Bart as Doc Brown was a real riot. He nailed that wild, eccentric energy that makes Doc such a lovable character. The chemistry between the two was great and really captured the spirit of the original movie.
The music was catchy too. I’m not usually one for show tunes, but they had some rocking numbers that got even my feet tapping. They cleverly mixed some original songs with the classics from the movie, like “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time.” I could see some of the younger crowd mouthing the words, and I might have joined in a bit myself.
Another thing I appreciated was how they balanced nostalgia with fresh material. There were plenty of nods to the film that fans will appreciate, but the show also took some creative liberties to keep things exciting and new. The humor was spot-on, with plenty of laughs throughout, especially for those of us who remember what the ’80s were like.
Of course, a night out in the West End is always a treat. It’s a bit different from my usual evenings in Hitchin, winding down with a pint after work, but sometimes it’s good to do something different. A little culture never hurt anyone, and it was great to see the old folks and the younger generations all enjoying the show together.
If you’re in the area and fancy a good night out, I’d definitely recommend catching “Back to the Future: The Musical.” It’s a fun trip down memory lane that really hits the spot, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a bit of entertainment. Plus, it’s a good excuse to head into London and enjoy the sights for a change.
So there you have it, my two cents on “Back to the Future: The Musical.” Now back to the grindstone and getting those windows sorted out. And remember, if you’re ever in need of double glazing Hitchin, you know where to find me!
