Review: BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL, Adelphi Theatre - Sep 2025
Photo credit: Mark Senior
Musical adaptations of cult films can prove to be hit and miss. But like Heathers or Legally Blonde, which add genuine value and find their own identities, Back To The Future: The Musical carves out its own niche remaining fiercely loyal to the cinematic hit while giving new audiences an exciting, fresh take on the story - it also helps that Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri have created a solid score to complement Bob Gale’s book.
Having first opened at the Adelphi Theatre four years ago, the production can surely be considered one of the West End’s ‘long-runners’ at this point and it is easy to see why. The set design, including imaginative video projections, elevates it beyond your typical movie-to-musical adaptation and makes for a genuinely exhilarating stage show.
The most recent notable addition to the cast is star of stage and screen, Brian Conley. He undoubtedly has big shoes to fill as The Doc, following Roger Bart and Corey English, but Conley manages to deftly weave his own personality into his performance. What he lacks in the slickness of his predecessors, he makes up for with natural charm and humour.
To a British theatregoer of a certain age, it does admittedly take a little while to adjust to his interpretation of the iconic role and forget that it’s not just a sketch for The Brian Conley Show. But the pay-off is worth it and his chemistry with Caden Brauch (playing Marty McFly) is clear for all to see. It is a shame Conley is only booked for three months as it would be intriguing to see his development of the role over time.
Also joining the cast is Maddie Grace Jepson, who is billed as a TikTok star but is a musical theatre graduate in her own right. She plays Lorraine, Marty’s mum, and gives a strong comedic - and vocal - performance. Other highlights include Alex Runicles as Biff and Orlando Gibbs as George McFly, although it is CJ Borger who brings the house down as Goldie Wilson.
Back To The Future the Musical may not be a flawless show; the score is serviceable but ultimately only a handful of numbers really make a lasting impression. But that isn’t what makes this show such a success, the key really is in the individual performances and high production values. Fans of the film will love it and so should most musical theatre fans.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Tom Ambrose
