Step Behind The Stage
Back To The Future The Musical
Adelphi Theatre, London - 17/12/24
Review by Nicki Storey
Photo Credit: Sean Ebsworth-Barnes
Based on the 1985 sci-fi film of the same name, Back To The Future The Musical has been a West End staple at the Adelphi Theatre since 2021. The theatre itself is wonderfully themed to the show, with hidden story elements throughout the foyer and bars. Decorative wires surround the stage and light up at key moments, giving the production a truly immersive feel.
The story follows Marty McFly (Vasco Emauz) as he travels back in time after a mishap with Doc Brown's (Cory English) DeLorean, which doubles as a time machine. Marty interacts with characters including his own parents and a younger Doc Brown while trying to find his way back to the future.
Vasco Emauz is a joy to watch in his professional theatre and West End debut. He commands both the stage and the audience, and his chemistry with Orlando Gibbs' George McFly delivers plenty of hilarious moments. The McFly family is introduced through the humorous group number "Hello, Is Anybody Home?", giving each family member their own spotlight.
Photo Credit: Sean Ebsworth-Barnes
A personal highlight from the show is C.J. Borger as Goldie Wilson performing "Gotta Start Somewhere". This number, inspired by McFly’s accidental encouragement to Wilson to quit his diner job and run for mayor, is performed with energy and supported by an incredible ensemble dance, raising the room’s excitement.
The climax is the spectacular moment when Marty and Doc ride the DeLorean. Throughout the show, driving and time travel are cleverly achieved with screens and stage movement, but the finale sees the car lifted into the air, flying over the audience in the stalls—a truly show-stopping moment.
Whether you’re a diehard fan of the original film or new to the story, Back To The Future The Musical is an absolute must-see.
Cast on the Night:
Vasco Emauz - Marty McFly
Cory English - Doc Brown
Sarah Goggin - Lorraine Baines
Orlando Gibbs - George McFly
C.J. Borger - Goldie Wilson/Marvin Berry
Alex Runicles - Biff Tanner
Talia Palamathanan - Jennifer Parker
Lee Ormsby - Strickland
Liam McHugh - Dave McFly
Patricia Wilkins - Linda McFly
Billie Bowman - Clocktower Woman
Kofi Aidoo-Appiah - Ensemble
Ella Beaumont - Swing
Gracie Caine - Ensemble
Sia Dauda - Ensemble/Fight Captain
Alexander Day - Swing/Dance Captain
Helen Gulston - Swing
Matthew Ives - Ensemble
Connor Lewis - Ensemble/Assistant Fight Captain
Adam Margilewski - Swing
Bryan Mottram - Swing
Anna Murray - Swing/Assistant Dance Captain
Samuel Nicholas - Swing
Louis Quinn - Ensemble
Zachkiel Smith - Ensemble
Grace Swaby-Moore - Ensemble
Alexandra Wright - Ensemble