09/09/2021
In case you are wondering what it is like to return to the West End to see a show below is a review from of one of our longest standing customers of over 35 years Ann Muston of her trip from Cambridge to see Back To The Future last night at The Adelphi Theatre. We hope you find the review about getting to and from the show and into the theatre with all the Covid rules in place and her review of what she thought was a wonderful show appealing to many age groups interesting.
Back to the Future Review Stalls Row M Wed 8th Sept 2021
Although still apprehensive about visiting London and the risk of catching Covid, the lure of seeing a musical again after almost two years was too great and so I took my lateral flow test and made sure I had downloaded my covid passport, replenished my hand gel, checked my face mask was suitable and duly set off to catch the 15.50 Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street. This train was chosen to reduce travel costs (advanced return fare for two - one with a rail card cost £27.55.) and journey time into London 1 hour 26 minutes and 1 hour 38 minutes back plus underground to and from Liverpool Street to Embankment. Total travel time from home (including waiting for trains etc) around 4 hours 30 minutes. Left home 15.20 and arrived home 01.30. Total travel costs approximately £80 between two of us. Coffee at the station and water added £5.00 to our costs.
The email notification said doors opened at 18.30 for a 19.30 performance. We decided to eat in ‘Bella Italia’ opposite the theatre and arrived straight from the tube at 17.45. We ordered just one course so as not to be late. (Total cost £30 including tip). We arrived outside the theatre at 18.30 and were directed to the queue for the Stalls. I wore my mask from that point. The doors didn’t open for another 10 minutes but once they had, the staff were friendly and checks carried out quickly including a bag check, I had my covid pass ready and it was glanced at tickets scanned. We were amongst the first twenty – thirty people admitted so didn’t feel hemmed in and we bought our souvenir programmes (£10) paying by credit card before going to the bar. I was expecting the prices to be more as we were in London and we recognised that with Covid, shortfalls need to be made up. However, the price for a sparkling water and coke (330ml) added around another £5. I forgot to ask for a receipt. Staff were friendly and we went straight into the auditorium to avoid the crowds. I visited the ladies which were clean and was pleased to see the anti-bacterial handles. Only 3 cubicles though and I guessed that just before the show and at the interval there would be long queues.
The seats gave us a good view of the stage; they were comfortable and there was enough leg room for me and my very tall friend. I didn’t have a tall person in front of me but if that had been the case, I might have asked for a child’s cushion.
Arriving early gave us a chance to really appreciate the theatre decoration, set, take photos and read the programme. Enjoyed flicking through and will enjoy reading in more detail again later in the week. Good photos, biographies, and information for those not in the know. I always love to see information about the theatre and recall the shows I have previously seen at The Adelphi. (I could find 6 from those listed).
The theatre slowly filled, and it became obvious that this was a musical that catered for all ages. Sitting next to me were a couple aged 18 and 19. At the end of the row, two primary teachers in their early thirties and next to them two gentlemen who looked in their late fifties/early sixties. My friend is almost 50 and I am early 60s. I was surprised that the two gentlemen did not return after the interval. Our other companions were really enthusiastic about the show and the youngsters gave it a 10/10. The 18-year-old wasn’t really into films and musicals but had thoroughly good night.
Having got to my seat early, I didn’t feel I was in a crowded auditorium. There were people wearing masks as requested but I would say the majority didn’t. For this reason, during the interval, I stayed put. The show ended around 22.15 and the cast received a standing ovation. I enjoyed having a little bop as the final song was played and we all showed our appreciation. On the way out, I did go the shop, hoping that there was a cast recording of the show, but one hasn’t been made yet. I did splash out £12 on a ‘Great Scot’ facemask as there were no hoodies available in my size. I may yet order one from the website. So total expenditure for two with tea at the station and a pastie for my friend on the way home, excluding ticket price was £165.00
Now to the performance!
I really enjoyed the show and would be happy to see it again and perhaps more than once! The set was incredible. There was humour in reminding us to switch off our phones and in the type face of 1985 computer text and the incredible lighting added to the whole experience. It gave a futuristic atmosphere and the transition between scenes and time periods was brilliant. I tried very hard to notice all the little details that were adding to the experience. The set changes during the chase, the bubbles at the dance, the opening of the second act the car. Wow! If there were any technical hitches, I didn’t notice any but could carefully spot the connection between the culture of 1955 and 1985. Whether it was intentional or not, I could appreciate the opening of the second act combining ‘Star Wars’, ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Doctor Who’ through symbols and costumes which all had the time travel theme. The climb to the clock tower was amusing at the same time as building the tension. All so cleverly done. The car at the end was brilliant.
The storybook was well adapted from the film and there was so much humour through the language and misunderstanding: ‘This is heavy’, the references to history in 1955 and 1985, Ronald Regan being president and 2020 even gets more than one ironic mention. The songs also make references to things which were gong to change the world for better, but hindsight shows us how wrong they were. At times I found myself laughing when those sitting around me didn’t understand references as they were too young.
The choreography was superb, and I really enjoyed trying to spot all the different moves, those that were 1950s associated and those of the 1980s combined with 21st century dance moves. The whole cast were fantastic at keeping in character and I particularly enjoyed when Marty ( Olly Dodson) was trying to teach his Dad ( Hugh Coles) moves to impress his Mum (Rosanna Hyland). Also, very impressive and you could see him concentrating was Doc Brown ( Roger Bart) on his Segbo. The potential for disaster was there but the cast knew where they were meant to be.
The whole cast were clearly focussed but also having a good time and it really helped to make us feel part of the action. Drawn into the event, I don’t really want to single anyone out, but I have to say that I really enjoyed Hugh Coles’ performance and his transition at the end. The ensemble and swings were great in all the different roles they played. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t feel it was real, even the imagined bits that were the typical Hollywood big dance acts.
To add to the evening when we left the theatre, it has been raining as if to remind us that the forecast for that fateful night in 1955 was meant to be fine.
I’ve already put comments on my LinkedIn and Facebook accounts and will do more to promote this show which has everything. My friend said it was the best they had ever seen!
I’ll reserve judgement on that until I’ve seen it again.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this.
