Destination Date: 20/02/20 Destination Time: 7.30pm Destination Location: Manchester, England
The energy levels in the Opera House Manchester were so off the scale on Thursday 20 February 2020 that it could have generated 1.21 gigawatts of electricity and sent us all Back to the Future!
We (BTTF fans) have waited for something like this for a long time. We know and accept that there will be no more films and we're happy with that (ish). We have the occasional comic con appearance, fan meet, anniversary screenings, TV reunions etc. So to have a musical version of our favourite film, by the makers of said film is big, huge, astronomical!
I knew I had to be there at the World Premiere. No question really. Getting to the theatre there were so many fans dressed up as Marty, Doc, Biff. The backdrop whilst waiting was something to behold, even before curtain up. Based upon Docs time travel blueprints, updated with social media icons etc and lights which merged into the auditorium, bringing stage and audience together. My excitement levels were off the scale. Alan Silvestri and Bob Gale just a few rows in front. Surrounded by fellow fans. I was in my element and ready.
As the overture began, the excited chatter fell silent and it seemed like everyone was holding their breath. Forgive me if I can't quite recall the exact order of everything but I was laughing, crying, gasping, clapping, singing, cheering and screaming for most of the evening.
A huge amount followed the details of the film but there are deviations and changes which were necessary for the screen to stage adaptation. However, these are done so well, they were immediately accepted and loved.
The first scene sets a precedent for the audience's applause and cheering to approve and appreciate well known scenes and lines. When Marty, Doc and George utter their first lines respectively, the audience ERUPTS. I thought the roof was going to come off the theatre! I was right there with everyone.
A genuine fan reaction to seeing something for the first time is so special to be part of, especially when you are one of those fans.
Olly Dobson's Marty Mcfly had me gasping in disbelief. I mean, this isn't just good casting it's surely one in a million casting. He sounded like Marty, looked like Marty, moved like Marty but I think the hardest is to have the same comic timing as Michael J Fox. That is special. And should not be underrated.
I could watch Roger Bart as Doc Brown all day long. He brought his own comedy to an already comedic role, bringing life to Emmett L Brown on stage and giving us many surprises too. The audience loved his quirky, cheeky Doc so much.
The whole audience gasped and then cheered with pure delight when Hugh Coles delivered his first line as George Mcfly. I don't know how he did it, how he got the movement, character and comedy of George so spot on. It was a delight to watch. Just amazing.
Biff Tannen. I don't really know how you'd approach such a huge character but Aiden Cutler did it in style.
Whilst everyone absolutely nailed the characters they still brought through their own interpretation and personalities too.
All of the new songs I loved. And how did it translate as a musical? Seamlessly. It doesn't take itself too seriously and some nods to the film are tongue in cheek, a little knowing nod to the fans.
There are a zillion more things I could say but, no spoilers as the surprises had me jumping out of my seat!
32 years a fan and to actually feel part of Back to the Future was amazing. Opening night was a very special time. I had the privilege to meet Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri and the cast. Dream. Come. True.
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