Back to the Future UK tour reviews: what the critics say, and where to see it next

The first reviews are in for the UK tour of Back to the Future The Musical, which had its press night at the Bristol Hippodrome on 15 October. Critics agree that the DeLorean steals the evening and that Roger Bart is a joy as Doc Brown, while the national verdict is a little cooler on the songs. Here is what they said, and where the tour goes next. See dates and tickets

What the critics say

Kris Hallett gave the show four stars for WhatsOnStage, framing his review around the power of nostalgia. He wrote: "let’s be honest: the DeLorean is the star of the show. Not Marty McFly, not Doc Brown, certainly not the score." His verdict was simple: "I had a terrific time".

Bristol Post critic Ellie Kendall was won over completely, calling it "One of the most immersive, visually phenomenal, goosebump-inducing stage productions I have ever seen." She added: "It was a masterpiece, through and through."

Bristol24/7's Sarski Anderson, whose review ran under the headline "An immensely fun, visually spectacular and nostalgia-stuffed ride", said "the pure theatrical magic of the denouement is nothing short of electrifying", though she also felt that "At an expansive two hours forty, the show could arguably lose a couple of numbers". For 365bristol, Alys Marshall called it "an unforgettable production that’ll satisfy die-hard fans of the original film as well as those who’ve never even heard of plutonium".

The Gazette Series review by Leanne Woodruff, published a few days later, called it "a masterpiece worth travelling through time for", adding: "It was Michelin-starred for the eyes."

If you want to compare notes, here is what critics said when it opened in the West End, and you can take a first look at the tour photos.

Did the reviewers like the songs?

This is where opinions part. WhatsOnStage found that "The original songs rarely achieve lift-off and the production is often content to faithfully recreate rather than reinterpret", and that "The new songs are workman-like rather than spectacular".

One number won wide praise. Hallett wrote that Brandon Lee Sears "nearly stops the show with “Gotta Start Somewhere”", and the classic hits from the film remain firm crowd-pleasers.

Who is getting the best notices?

Roger Bart, who created Doc Brown for the original production, is the critics’ favourite. WhatsOnStage said: "The evening’s MVP, however, is Roger Bart." It added: "Every entrance feels like plugging the production directly into the mains." For 365bristol, Alys Marshall wrote that "the fantastic Roger Bart" as Doc "is a comedic genius." You can read more about his long history with the role.

Axel Duffy also scores highly as Marty. WhatsOnStage called him "an enormously likeable Marty McFly", and Kendall wrote: "He was a powerhouse on stage". Bristol24/7 said: "The scenes between Bart and Duffy are the warm heart of this show". James Oliver’s George McFly was singled out too.

Can you still see it in London?

No. The musical closed in the West End on 12 April 2026 after five years. Of the dates announced so far, the nearest stop to London is Milton Keynes, from 9 to 27 February 2027, which is an easy trip from the capital by train.

How long is it, and what age is it for?

The running time is 2 hours 40 minutes. It is recommended for ages 6 and over. Under-16s must sit with an adult aged 18 or over, and under-3s are not admitted. The production uses strobe lighting, loud sounds, haze and pyrotechnics.

Where the tour goes next

The dates announced so far, as listed on the official tour website, are:

• Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol: 8 October to 21 November 2026
• Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh: 2 December 2026 to 2 January 2027
• Liverpool Empire, Liverpool: 12 January to 6 February 2027
• Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes: 9 to 27 February 2027
• Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham: 9 March to 10 April 2027
• Sunderland Empire, Sunderland: 13 April to 8 May 2027
• Alhambra Theatre, Bradford: 11 May to 5 June 2027
• Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 8 June to 3 July 2027
• Manchester Opera House, Manchester: 13 July to 21 August 2027
• Theatre Royal Plymouth, Plymouth: 24 August to 11 September 2027
• Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff: 19 October to 13 November 2027

Further dates are still to be announced. See dates and tickets

Photo: Mark Senior.