A stage musical version of cult 1980s time travel film Back to the Future is set to arrive in the West End next year. The science fiction action adventure film starred Michael J Fox as Marty McFly – the high school kid that travels back to 1955, the crucial point of his parents meeting and the reason for his own existence. The stage version will reunite co-writer and director Robert Zemeckis with his fellow collaborator Bob Gale as they are both writing the musicals book together.
Gale stated that ‘the musical will be true to the spirit of the film without being a slavish remake’. Zemeckis added, ‘We intend to use music from the movie along with brand new songs to make a version of Back to the Future that is fresh, entertaining and takes advantage of all the amazing things that can now be done on stage. We can't think of a better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film.’
The 1985 film of Back to the Future was a huge hit for Zemeckis and spawned two block-busting sequels. Marty McFly was the breakout role for Michael J Fox that jetted him to the heady heights of international stardom. The man behind the music for the production is Alan Silvestri -close friend of Zemeckis and composer of many of his film scores. Joining Silvestri is songwriter Glen Ballard, who was the talent behind Ghost the Musical.
The man at the helm will be director Jamie Lloyd, who seems to have gotten a taste for large musicals after directing The Commitments currently playing at the Palace Theatre and Urinetown that is about to open at the St James’ Theatre. Lloyd stated ‘I was five when I saw Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale's landmark movie and I have been a huge fan ever since’. The production is rumoured to feature illusions, skateboarding and flying cars.
Look out for more new on this exciting production coming soon…
Great to see War Horse is celebrating its 2000th performance in the West End with a series of eye catching photo opportunities including Joey, the main “horse” from the show taking a trip on the London eye!