If you’re looking for an unforgettable musical in London, Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre on The Strand is a must-see. Last week, my son Ollie and I had the most incredible mother-son day out in London, topped off by seeing Back to the Future brought to life on stage. This wasn’t a gifted experience – we purchased our Back to the Future the musical tickets ourselves via the Kids Week site – and it turned out to be one of the best London theatre trips we’ve ever had.
What Is the Story of Back to the Future?
If you’ve never seen the film Back to the Future, here’s a quick refresher on why this stage musical is such a hit.
The story follows Marty McFly, an ordinary teenager in 1985 who finds himself transported back to 1955 after his eccentric friend Doc Brown turns a Delorean car into a time machine. In a twist of fate, Marty accidentally gets transported back in time and meets his younger parents – but there’s a problem: he interrupts their first meeting, putting his own future in jeopardy.
With the help of 1955 Doc Brown, Marty must travel back in time and set things right before returning home. Along the way, he experiences classic moments like the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, a dramatic lightning strike to power the Delorean, and hilarious encounters with George McFly and Biff Tannen.
This musical adaptation keeps all the charm and humour of the original story co-written by Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis, while adding songs from the movie and new musical numbers that make you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1955 yourself.
A Special Mother-Son Day in London
Ollie had been talking about seeing Back to the Future for months, so I let him plan the whole day. We started with lunch in London, explored the Lego Store, and even squeezed in a spot of shopping on Oxford Street before heading to the Adelphi Theatre. Spending quality one-to-one time together is always special, and this was a day we’ll both remember.
When we arrived at the theatre, I was instantly impressed. The lighting and stage setup set the tone straight away, with glowing details around the theatre walls that made the experience feel like we were stepping into Hill Valley ourselves.
Our Back to the Future Musical Experience
Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect from the show. The original film Back to the Future isn’t a musical, so I was curious to see how they would adapt it for the stage.
The first time the Delorean skidded onto the stage, we were completely blown away. The special effects made it feel like the car was actually driving around the stage. There were moments of time travel and clever lighting that had us grinning from ear to ear.
The comedy was another highlight. George McFly was portrayed perfectly, with his quirky mannerisms spot-on, while Marty McFly and Doc Brown were brilliant. We were slightly disappointed to miss Brian Conley’s run as Doc, which starts on 13th August, but Cory English was absolutely amazing in the role.
The Cast and Creative Team
The Back to the future the musical cast really captured the heart of the original story. Director John Rando brought this musical adaptation to life, while the score by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard combined classic songs from the film, like The Power of Love, with brilliant new numbers. The whole production felt like a great musical worthy of its Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
From the musical number that takes us Back in Time to the iconic “time machine” moments, this stage musical truly honours the film.
Fun fact: Back to the Future: The Musical had its world premiere in Manchester before making its way to London’s West End, and it has since won multiple musical awards, including Best Original Score or New Orchestrations.
Seating and Tips for Families
Our only hiccup was seating – the lady in front of me had her hair in a very high top knot, which blocked most of my view in the first half. Thankfully, the theatre staff allowed us to switch seats at the interval, which made the second half much more enjoyable.
If you’re booking tickets for Back to the Future, I recommend:
- Check your sightlines when booking seats to avoid tall hairstyles or pillars!
- Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere at the Adelphi Theatre in London.
- Make a day of it – there’s so much to see in London nearby.
You can book your tickets for this award-winning West End musical directly through the official London Box Office or the Back to the Future Musical website.
Final Thoughts
Our Back to the Future London experience was a perfect mother-son day out. Ollie loved every minute, and even though I missed a bit of the first half, seeing his face light up during the show made it all worthwhile.
Would we see it again? Absolutely – and next time, we’ll bring the rest of the family. If you want a musical in the West End that’s funny, clever, and packed with jaw-dropping effects, Back to the Future: The Musical is a must.
So grab your Back to the Future tickets before they’re gone – this future musical is truly a ride back to the 1950s you’ll never forget.