Return To The Forbidden Planet

Inspired by the cult sci-fi film ‘Forbidden Planet’ and loosely (very loosely) based on Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ and, I felt, a touch of ‘Star Trek’ thrown into the mix.  Shakespeare’s original tale has been re-worked and ships become spaceships and Ariel is a roller-skating robot, add in fun songs from the 50’s/60’s/70’s ( I knew them all!), what is not to enjoy. You do recognise some of the classic Shakespearean lines, although slightly altered, such as ‘two beeps or not two beeps? That is the question,’ ‘thou dost love this chick?’ and ‘shall I compare thee to a Barbie doll?’

The stage is set as the flight deck of the spaceship Albatross rising to the bridge at the back. Video screens at the back and sides convey instrument panels or a view of the outside of the ship when it encounters meteors, monsters, or the newsreader (Tom Swift) who kept us up to date with events. Harvey Ebbage’s  excellent lighting design was such an important part of this production as were the faultless costumes. I loved the coloured lights on the dancers’ shoes. Hair and make-up were also carefully thought about. It was a nice touch to see the ‘Front of House’ also in appropriate costume. Amanda Philip did an excellent job as Musical Director. The musicians consisting mainly of drums, keyboards and guitars were placed round the edges of the set. What was so amazing was their versatility but also a number of the cast who not only could act and sing but at the same time accompany themselves and each other on a variety of instruments. After the curtain calls, the band were able to show their obvious talent with an encore on their own. 

Lift off cannot take place without the audience – sorry passengers - safety instructions and then we are introduced to the officers. Captain Tempest (Matt Hall), Bosun Arras (Liam Clarke), Navigation Officer (Lisa Everett, Science officer Gloria (Kate Dellow) and Cookie (George Fever). Lift off is powered by the driving drumbeat of “Wipe Out” but then a mysterious power brings the spaceship to an unchartered planet where we meet the stranded (and where would we be without a mad scientist!), Dr Prospero (Sean McDowell). He had been sent there by his wife Gloria – the ship’s science officer. Their daughter Miranda (Hollie Evans) was also  stranded with her father. She falls in love with the Captain but, in turn, is loved by Cookie. With them is the Dr’s assistant the roller-skating/guitar playing robot Ariel (Steve Allan). Once Dr Prospero falls into the tentacles of the monster, the ship, with the help of the passengers of course, manage to reverse polarity and escape from the planet. 

Director/Choreographer/On stage musician Adele Ebbage created a true musical experience as there was not a weak link in this multi-talented cast. Together with the cabin crew as the backing group and dancers, the enjoyment and enthusiasm shone through and permeated to the audience. 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.