I first saw Back to the Future: The Musical in June 2023, and it felt like seeing the film for the first time all over again – like someone had cranked the DeLorean up to 88mph and launched us all back to Hill Valley with a fresh perspective.

So, when I got the invite to a media night for the new cast, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see how the show has evolved. And let me tell you, the new team did not disappoint.

The current cast is packed with talent, and they bring a renewed vibrancy to this iconic story. Vasco Emauz, a recent graduate, is making his West End debut as Marty McFly, capturing that perfect mix of teenage bravado and vulnerability that makes Marty such an unforgettable character. He absolutely nails those “fish-out-of-water” moments, with all the 1950s awkwardness we expect. Opposite him, the brilliant Cory English has stepped back into the role of Doc Brown – a role he previously took on during an earlier run – and it’s clear he’s made it entirely his own. This time around, English brought a hilarity to Doc that I genuinely don’t remember being quite so sharp before. It wasn’t just the script; it was his delivery, the perfectly timed comedic beats, and those wide-eyed expressions that had the whole audience in stitches. During the scene where Marty pushes the model DeLorean through the “crude” model of Hill Valley, the car got stuck and things went slightly off script. As Emauz (Marty) was resetting it to try again, English, not missing a beat, was improvving all the time, “At least there’s nobody watching!” – an absolutely golden moment that had the audience rolling in the aisles.

Sarah Goggin plays Lorraine Baines, perfectly balancing the charm, awkwardness, and forwardness of a teenage girl who is very keen to pursue the new boy in town. She makes Lorraine both funny and endearing while adding a touch of that 1950s rebellious spirit. Orlando Gibbs plays George McFly, and you can’t help but root for his gawky, loveable portrayal of Marty’s dad. Alex Runicles takes on Biff Tannen, bringing that classic bully energy while also delivering comedic moments that land every time – he plays the role with just the right level of exaggerated swagger. Talia Palamathanan shines as Jennifer Parker, bringing warmth and spirit to the role that makes Marty’s love story feel genuine and charming.

A major standout was C.J. Borger, who plays both Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry. Borger was absolutely fabulous, and his performance of “Gotta Start Somewhere” was one of the highlights of the night. The song is full of high-energy optimism, and Borger brought an infectious enthusiasm to it that had the audience cheering along. His dual roles as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry were played with such distinct energy that it was easy to forget it was the same actor behind both.

And it’s not just the acting. The choreography, brought to life by Chris Bailey, is electrifying, seamlessly blending the nostalgia of the ’50s with some fantastic contemporary dance elements. The large ensemble chorus deserves a special shout-out for their incredible energy and precision – they were simply fabulous. The ensemble delivers the big numbers with such spirit, capturing the hustle and bustle of Hill Valley while keeping the dance sequences sharp and dynamic. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the toe-tapping joy of it all, particularly during numbers that bring Hill Valley’s bustling streets to life – the energy is infectious.

One thing that stood out to me on this second visit was the scenery, designed by Tim Hatley, which really brings that timeless Back to the Future charm to life. The way the set transforms between different time periods is so impressive. The DeLorean scenes really pack that wow factor, thanks to the seamless combination of set design, visual effects, and projection mapping. You can feel the audience holding their breath as the car hits 88mph, and honestly, you could be in the film yourself. It’s hard to beat that rush of excitement when the lights, sound, and that unmistakable score come together.

Overall, it’s still the same Back to the Future we all know and love, but with some fresh faces and new moments that make it worth the revisit. The current cast makes it feel fresh, full of life, and somehow even funnier than I remember. Whether you’ve seen it once or ten times, it’s one of those shows that’ll keep you coming back for more.

So, take a leaf out of Doc Brown’s book, fire up your own time machine (or, you know, grab an Uber), and head to the West End for this new chapter in Hill Valley history.

To book, visit www.backtothefuturemusical.com

Words by Nick Barr

Photography by Matt Crockett