Back to the Future - the musical has a lot to live up to - and by golly it does!
The new stage version is based on its hugely successful cinematic namesake, which Michael J Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as madcap inventor Doc Brown creating characters that have resonated over the years.
The film spawned two equally popular sequels and became a most ridden attraction at Universal Studios.
And now, after a protracted and pandemic enforced delay, Back To The Future The Musical has landed on the London stage in the 21st Century.
Any concerns that the musical version would fail to come up to scratch are quickly dispelled.
It has been welcomed by devotees of the films (whoops of appreciation from aficionados at telling moments) and will also delight the wider theatre going community - of all ages.
Because, regardless of what has preceded it, Back To The Future The Musical is a considerable and quite unique experience in its own right.
It is not much of a spoiler alert to say that Marty boards Doc Browns prototype time travelling Delorean and is whisked back from present day (1985) Hill Valley to the same spot in 1955.
He is now the same age as his own parents and other townsfolk in the small town.
If this is not mind-blowing enough, he manages to change the projected course of history, which is not good news.
On hand though, is the younger Doc to sort out this conundrum and try to get Marty back to 1985.
Back To The Future The Musical works so well because the musical numbers themselves cement and enhance the plot.
The scenes in 1955 Hill Valley are vibrant and with a colourful, innocent glee that reflects the best musicals of the era.
The sets, song and dance routines and performances have the necessary naivety of the period.
In complete contrast the time travelling sequences are spectacular.
One tends to take special effects for granted on film and TV.
On the London stage we, the audience, are there in the flesh and caught up in what is unfolding.
The whole cast deserve praise for pulling off this ambitious production in such fine fashion. And the orchestra is so good it could be a soundtrack.
Such a pity they have to remain out of sight (cue concert version of the musical).
But mention must go to the double act that is Olly Dobson as Marty and Roger Bart as Doc Brown.
Together they quickly dispel any lingering memories Fox/Lloyd with hear- warming theatrical performances.
As the Doc, Roger Bart gives a wonderfully appropriate, over the top performance. Particularly in the musical numbers with his loyally supporting troop.
It is highly likely Back To The Future The Musical will be wowing audiences for years to come.
Back to the Future the Musical at the Aldephi Theatre, has been adapted by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale from their original screenplay.
Music and lyrics are by Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
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