Back to the Future: The Musical is an electrifying stage adaptation of the iconic 1985 film Back to the Future. This high-energy production brings the beloved time-travel story to life with impressive staging, engaging performances, and a mix of fun and cheesy musical numbers. If you or your kids are fans of the movie, I highly recommend watching it first before seeing the show—it definitely enhances the experience!
However, before diving into my thoughts on the musical itself, I want to share an unexpected and disappointing encounter we had at the theatre. It had nothing to do with the show itself, but it’s worth mentioning as I would love to know how you would’ve handled the situation.
I booked our tickets through the Fever app, selecting front-row seats (A26 and A27) for £50 per person. Having sat in the front row at other shows before, I knew there could be some compromises in visibility. However, I wouldn’t recommend these particular seats. While the close-up view is good, you do miss quite a bit when the actors move to the back of the stage. If you’re planning to see the show, I strongly suggest sitting a few rows further back for a better overall experience.
Now, onto what made our evening uncomfortable. As we arrived at the theatre, we picked up a free booster seat for my daughter and headed to our seats. Before my daughter even had a chance to sit down, the woman next to us muttered, “I hate children” and swore. It was completely unprovoked and unnecessary. My daughter hadn’t done anything—she hadn’t even sat down yet! Naturally, she was upset, but I reassured her and encouraged her to ignore it.
Unfortunately, the woman continued to be unpleasant throughout the show, making it difficult to enjoy the performance. During the interval, I spoke to a lovely staff member, who completely understood our discomfort and called over a supervisor. They kindly allowed us to move to different seats (still in the stalls, but with a much better view). Not only did this improve our experience visually, but we were also thankfully away from the asshole. It’s disappointing how some people feel the need to be openly hostile towards children for no reason. But, despite that initial negativity, we didn’t let it ruin the evening.
This was actually our second time seeing the show, and it was just as entertaining as the first! The musical numbers are a mix of great and slightly over-the-top cheesy, but overall, it’s a fun, family-friendly experience. My 9-year-old daughter absolutely loved it, even after the unpleasant start. The cast is diverse, and the production stays true to the movie while also bringing fresh energy to the roles. The choreography is fantastic, the staging is impressive, and the set transitions are seamless. There are a few moments of innuendo, but nothing overly inappropriate, though it’s worth noting for parents with younger children.
The biggest highlight of the show is the incredible surprise at the end, which I won’t spoil, but it’s a moment worth experiencing live. If you’re planning to see Back to the Future: The Musical, I highly recommend sitting in the stalls for the best view of the action.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Tickets from £19.55
Now playing at the Adelphi Theatre, a short walk from Charing Cross station
Running time: 2 hrs 40 mins (including interval)
Age recommendation: 6+ (Children under 4 not permitted. Every customer must have their own ticket.)
Back to the Future: The Musical is a fantastic show that brings the classic film to life with impressive staging, fun musical numbers, and plenty of nostalgic moments. If you’re a fan of the movie, this is definitely a show worth seeing. Just be sure to choose your seats wisely for the best view—and hopefully, you’ll be sitting next to people who actually enjoy sharing the theatre with others.
