Theatre Review: Back to the Future The Musical, Bristol Hippodrome
Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Thursday 8th October – Saturday 21st November 2026
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours, 40 minutes (incl. interval)
Photography by Daniel Boud
Review
WOW! WOW! WOW! If I could leave my review at that, I would.
I have been lucky enough to experience, and review, some incredible productions over the last few years. However, Back to the Future (’BTTF’) The Musical might just be the best performance I have ever seen on stage. Every minute of the show was electric, and I was genuinely disappointed when the curtains closed.
the BTTF movie is widely adored – and for good reason – so it is perhaps unsurprising that the stage production is also exceptionally popular. I didn’t quite know what to expect from a musical rendition of BTTF but it absolutely works.
There is truly no expense spared in this production. The set design is intricate yet extravagant, and it is all drawn together with complex sound and lighting displays. We were informed that there are over 1,000 sound/lighting cues in the performance and the team did not miss a beat.
Photography by Daniel Boud
I think it is reasonable to wonder how BTTR on stage could pull off the iconic time travel sequences…
Alas, fear not. Not only do we experience a full-scale DeLorean in all its glory, but the video effects are incredibly impressive such that I genuinely believed the DeLorean was whipping across the stage at speed. At one point, the DeLorean emerges out above the audience and starts rotating 360 degrees in the air whilst our lead characters are inside. It is really something. Add to that the other iconic 1985 and 1955 locations of the Twin Pines Mall, Town Square and Hill Valley High School…chef’s kiss!
Absolutely every cast member deserves a mention in this review, but I would certainly be beyond my word count if I did so. It was an absolute pleasure to experience Roger Bart as Doc Brown. He is evidently so comfortable in this role and completely embodies all of Brown’s eccentricity. We know there is no replacement for the wonderful Christopher Lloyd, and Bart does not try to be. He brings his own take to the character and it fits like a glove.
Equally as fantastic was Axel Duffy as Marty McFly. He had so much energy despite there being barely a moment that Duffy was not on stage. The larger-than-life performances from those portraying George, Lorraine and Biff were excellent. All of the cast had incredible chemistry and I could not take my eyes off any of them.
I was very lucky to attend the official press night for this performance at the Bristol Hippodrome and the team pulled out all of the stops (including a replica DeLorean outside of the theatre!). To top it all off, at the conclusion of the show, we enjoyed heart-felt speeches from the producer (Colin Ingram), the director (John Rando) and the writer of the original BTTR movie and now stage production, Bob Gale. What a way to close the show!
I would re-watch this performance in a heart beat so grab your tickets now before I buy them all. Meanwhile, I will be listening to the BTTF The Musical soundtrack on repeat.
Similar Musicals: Be More Chill, Beetlejuice
Written by Chelsea Bartlett
Disclaimer: These tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review