BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL Tickets on Sale Friday
Buckle up, theatre fans, because BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is heading to the Sydney Lyric from 26th September, and tickets go on sale this Friday, 14th February, at 10am sharp. Trust me when I say, this is the kind of event that’ll make you want to break out your best 1950s prom attire—or your neon ’80s socks—and step right up to the flux capacitor.
The Time-Travelling Tale Is Heading For Australia
Have you ever wondered what it might feel like to see lightning strike a clock tower in the middle of a live performance? Or to watch a DeLorean speed across a stage, generating one point twenty-one gigawatts of theatrical magic? BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL promises exactly that, along with a story that has charmed entire generations. This production, fresh from winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, is set to make its Australian debut, ensuring local fans of the classic film trilogy finally have a chance to witness Marty McFly’s rock ’n’ roll escapades in person.
For context, consider the staggering popularity of the original 1985 film. Starring Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” and Christopher Lloyd as “Dr. Emmett Brown,” Back to the Future grossed USD $360.6 million at the worldwide box office. By the time the entire trilogy wrapped, that total ballooned to $936.6 million—equivalent to over USD $1.8 billion in today’s money. In other words, it’s a cinematic juggernaut whose cultural imprint runs deep. And while the film’s iconic DeLorean might have seemed like the hottest ride of the ’80s, wait until you see how it’s been reimagined for this stage spectacular.
The Musical Wizards Behind The Scenes
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
It’s one thing to adapt a beloved film; it’s another to do so with a creative dream team that practically guarantees fireworks. Bob Gale, co-creator of the film trilogy alongside Robert Zemeckis, supplies the book for this musical. If you’ve ever marvelled at Marty’s quick wit or Doc’s kooky exclamations (“Great Scott!”), you’ll be pleased to know you’re in capable hands—Gale has poured the same passion into shaping the narrative for the stage.
Music and lyrics come courtesy of Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Alan Silvestri is the composer behind the film’s iconic score, having also contributed to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, and countless other Zemeckis collaborations. His partner in musical crime, Glen Ballard, boasts six Grammy Awards and has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. He co-produced Jagged Little Pill with Alanis Morissette and has penned hits for the likes of Aretha Franklin and Van Halen. Throw in a couple of additional film songs—namely The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode—and you have a soundtrack that’s practically engineered for goosebumps.
Steering the production is John Rando, a Tony Award-winning director whose flair for vibrant, playful staging seems tailor-made for a story about a teenage guitarist hurtling between decades. Under Rando’s guidance, the design team includes heavyweights such as Tim Hatley (set and costume), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen(sound), and Finn Ross (video). Then there’s Chris Bailey in charge of choreography, and illusions by Chris Fisher—yes, illusions, which makes perfect sense when you’re bringing time travel to life on stage.
You Don’t Want To Miss This Show
Still on the fence about whether to fork out for opening night? Here’s a nudge: BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL has already been seen by nearly three million people worldwide. Since its West End premiere, it’s smashed box office records at the Adelphi Theatre, picked up multiple WhatsOnStage Awards, a Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, and, of course, that shiny Olivier Award. The show’s longevity speaks volumes: in London, it’s extended until 27 July 2025—a testament to the unflagging demand.
Then there’s the whisper of stagecraft that fans can’t stop talking about. Will the DeLorean fly over the heads of the audience? Will we see Marty’s electrifying guitar solos performed live? Will the entire theatre pulsate to the unstoppable beat of Johnny B. Goode? In short, yes, yes, and absolutely yes. Word on the street is that each performance crackles with an energy reminiscent of a rock concert—especially when the time-travelling car roars to life.
The show’s producers are also among the best in the business: John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia and Colin Ingram for Colin Ingram Ltd. If you’ve been to musicals like PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISÉRABLES or WICKED in Australia over the past few years, you’ve likely been touched by John Frost’s handiwork. The man knows how to deliver jaw-dropping theatrical moments, and with a property as revered as BACK TO THE FUTURE, you can bet he won’t be holding back.
The Sydney Connection
Some might wonder, “Why Sydney?”, Destination NSW, the state’s tourism and major events agency, backs the production, which means government and tourism officials are fully on board—always a promising sign for an international show. According to a recent tourism report, major musicals in Sydney’s prime theatres can contribute millions to the local economy, drawing in crowds from across Australia and beyond. More than that, there’s a sense of pure excitement among Sydneysiders whenever a big international blockbuster touches down first on their stages.
And how about timing? The show opens on 26th September, a period typically buzzing with holidaymakers and families looking for cultural outings. With the film celebrating 40 years since its original release, it feels almost fated that Marty McFly should land in the Harbour City to mark the occasion.
Modern Resonance
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
We all know Back to the Future for its comedic antics and futuristic gadgets, but here’s something that might surprise you: the story’s still relevant in 2025. Despite the neon 1980s vibe, the narrative focuses on family bonds, youthful ambition, and the consequences of tampering with destiny—elements that resonate in our age of constant technological change. If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and wished you could rewrite a chapter of your past, Marty’s predicament might feel oddly relatable.
Think about it: Marty isn’t a perfect hero. He’s a slightly cocky teen who stumbles into an extraordinary situation. Yet his unwavering loyalty to his friend Doc, coupled with his desire to set things right, make him an endearing protagonist. Similarly, Doc Brown’s eccentricities are offset by his genuine wonder at humanity’s capacity for invention. In a society that seems to accelerate by the minute—self-driving cars, AI breakthroughs—these themes of innovation and caution feel timelier than ever.
What We Know (And Don’t Know) About Casting
The roles of Marty McFly and Doc Brown are about as iconic as they come, but we’re still waiting to see who will tackle them on Australian soil. The official word is that casting announcements are just around the corner. Will a fresh-faced newcomer get the gig? Or might we see a familiar theatre star stepping into those self-lacing sneakers? Whichever route they take, rest assured it’ll be a hotly debated reveal on social media.
Given the production’s track record overseas, you can anticipate a cast capable of delivering both comedic timing and powerhouse vocals. The original London ensemble featured triple-threat performers who could dance, sing, and handle the comedic beats essential to Marty and Doc’s banter. Expect nothing less when the show touches down in Sydney.
Where Does The Future Lead?
With four new productions slated for the next 18 months—including stints in Germany and Japan—and an eight-year deal with Royal Caribbean (where the show will play in its full form on the world’s largest cruise ship), BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is accelerating full throttle. By planting its feet firmly in Sydney this year, it expands a worldwide footprint that already includes London’s West End and Broadway, and there’s no indication this momentum will slow any time soon.
It’s rare for a stage adaptation to elicit as much giddy excitement as the original film, yet the numbers—and the squeals of fans—suggest that’s exactly what’s happening here. It captures the spirit of the 1985 classic, injects fresh energy through show-stopping songs, and sprinkles in enough visual wizardry to dazzle even the most cynical theatre-goer.
So here’s the final word, dear reader: if you cherish big-hearted stories, jaw-dropping stage illusions, and toe-tapping tunes that evoke the best bits of ’80s rock, then BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL belongs at the top of your must-see list. Secure your seat, brace for 1.21 gigawatts of fun, and prepare to leave the theatre ready to declare: “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Because, in the realm of live theatre—particularly one powered by nostalgia and the wonder of time travel—the only limit is your imagination. And that, my friends, is precisely the kind of exhilaration we could all do with a little more of these days.
Tickets on Sale 10am Monday 12 February 2025
