Back to the Future the Musical London reviews – what did the critics make of the new production?

Back to the Future the Musical West End reviews roundup

Reviews have dropped for the West End production of Back to the Future the Musical in London – what did the critics make of it?

Based on the iconic 1985 film of the same name, the Back to the Future musical follows Marty McFly who finds himself travelling back in time 30 years thanks to a time-traveling DeLorean created by Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown.

Playing at the Adelphi Theatre, the cast features Olly Dobson in the role of Marty McFly while Doc Brown is portrayed by Roger Bart. They’re joined by Hugh Coles as George McFly, Rosanna Hyland as Lorraine Baines, Cedric Neal as Goldie Wilson, Aidan Cutler as Biff Tannen, Courtney-Mae Briggs as Jennifer Parker, Will Haswell as Dave McFly, Emma Lloyd as Linda McFly and Mark Oxtoby as Strickland.

The adaptation has a book by Bob Gale, writer and producer of the original film with music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard plus songs from the film.

What did the critics make of Back to the Future the Musical in London’s West End?

Back to the Future the Musical London reviews

Daily Mail – 5/5
“Back-comb your mullet, snap on your headband and wriggle into your leopard skin leotard. The stage musical of the Eighties’ classic has just screeched into the West End, the tyres of its time-travelling DeLorean leaving six pounds of scorched rubber on The Strand. And there’s really no other way to put it, folks: the show is a blast from the past.” – Read the full review

The Telegraph – 5/5
“It’s a feelgood triumph. Is it the most sophisticated musical around? No, but it’s a no less exhilarating all-American entertainment drive-thru than Hamilton. And it so honours the benign ethos of those 80s blockbuster movies, it almost invites further in-roads into the canon. Next stop, ET?” – Read the full review

WhatsOnStage – 4/5
“It’s undoubtedly an evening that sends you back to your own future with a smile on your face, a perfect night out for nostalgics and car-loving kids of all ages. Whether in the West End’s uniquely competitive current climate, it is musically strong enough to stand the test of time, only time will tell.” – Read the full review

The Guardian – 3/5
“Despite its inventions and its abundant splashiness, it is an odd mishmash of originality and imitation, the DeLorean remaining its biggest star.” – Read the full review

The Times – 2/5
“In the end, though, it’s like sitting in a musty, 40-year-old DeLorean and discovering that the engine keeps stalling. I suspect that if you’re a hardcore fan who knows every line of the film script you’re going to buy a ticket anyway. Others should beware.” – Read the full review

Back to the Future the Musical plays Adelphi Theatre , London currently booking through to February 2022

Book Back to the Future the Musical London tickets here »

Monday, Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30PM with 2:30PM matinees on Wednesday and Saturday and 3PM on Sunday.

About the author: Rachel Wise

UK based freelancer journalist Rachel contributes regularly to Stageberry with features and interviews from the hottest new shows and stage stars.