Return To The Forbidden Planet

Return to the Forbidden Planet is a jukebox musical based on the 1956 science fiction film Forbidden Planet which itself drew its plot loosely from Shakespeare...The Tempest.

Many people seeing it for the first time and probably knowing little about it, will be quite bemused as the reasonably unfamiliar ‘quasi’ Shakespearian language is spoken by the cast, who also sing rock and roll on the flight deck of a space craft. The names of some of the characters register in our subconscious.... Prospero, Ariel, Miranda, then SURPRISE.... Gloria and Captain Tempest!

It is a cleverly crafted musical urging the audience to listen out for the many ‘tongue in cheek’ quotations from other Shakespearian plays, whilst telling a silly but amusing tale of outer space accompanied by wonderful rock and roll tunes from yesteryear.

Was this the most polished and lavish version of the show I had seen… no, but the talented small cast made the most of every opportunity to ensure the audience were on board for the ‘ride’   and enjoyed every moment.

Before the show the cast (crew) mingled entertainingly with the audience and getting them to practice ‘Reverse Polarity’ actions, encouraged everyone into the mood of the show.

The attractive flight deck of the spaceship was entertainingly preset before the show and worked well when the ‘crew’ arrived. It provided good space for the performers to move around and dance.

The costumes ( uniforms) of the cast were very good and in keeping with audience expectation of a spaceship crew!

Lighting and special effects were good and used efficiently. The sound was a problem at the beginning as it appeared personal mics weren’t working, this made it difficult to understand dialogue and therefore the introductions of the characters and the story were unclear. Suddenly this problem was resolved and everything settled into the funny and entertaining show that is Return to the Forbidden Planet.

The technology used to present this show worked extremely well. There were three very clear monitors giving excellent pictures and sound from the off stage cast, and very good visuals representing monsters and potential disasters unfolding on the journey. There were further on stage monitors and effects made by props that helped the inside of the space ship come to life when used by the crew. Sound effects were excellently created by the keyboard and through the sound system, perfectly on cue.

The music came from a four piece combo kept perfectly under control by the MD/Director Paul Jennings. The keyboard musician was a fantastic performer and I could have watched him instead of the actions (sneakily I did)! The music perfectly accompanied the performers in tone and volume.  The singing of the well known rock and roll songs was great, rhythmic, tuneful and entertaining.

The choreography was in keeping with the story and music and was performed well within the abilities of the cast.

The performances from this small cast (12, plus off stage support on the monitors) were all very good indeed.  Excellent support came from the ‘crew chorus’ and solid performances from the principals.

This was a very brave undertaking from a club undergoing (so I was informed) some difficulties with performing size and strength. You chose a small show that you could cast and the cast gave 100% effort and entertainment to an enthusiastic audience.   Thank you for a very entertaining evening. I do wish you all well and hope that the clubs performing numbers increase and I wish the juniors good luck with Joseph.

Thank you for your hospitality and the warm farewell from the crew to the audience as they left the theatre….it was all great fun!

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