Return to the Forbidden Planet

A Footlights Youth Theatre production

"Return to the Forbidden Planet" is possibly the zaniest "out of this world" rock musical, created in 1989 by Bob Carlton and based on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and 1950's science fiction movie "Forbidden Planet".  The plot centres around Captain Tempest and the crew of the American spaceship Albatross on a routine scientific survey flight.  The ship is hit by a meteorite shower and is pulled towards the forbidden planet D'Illyria where, some fifteen years earlier, the mad scientist Dr. Prospero and his daughter Miranda landed, after they were sent off into hyper-space by his estranged wife, Gloria, who is now the Science Officer on board the space flight.  And so the adventure begins...
As we entered the auditorium, as "passengers" on the spaceship, we were greeted enthusiastically by members of the crew and after settling in our seats, given polarity reversal flight emergency drill as part of the pre-performance safety notices!
This show is a feast of rock and roll classic hits from the 1950's and 60's and we were treated to a high-energy, roller coaster performance.  The cast obviously thoroughly enjoyed singing such memorable numbers as Great Balls of Fire, Good Vibrations, The Young Ones, Monster Mash and Shake, Rattle and Roll.  A little disappointed that the opening lines of many numbers were spoken albeit rhythmically!
The dialogue for this musical is spoken in Shakespearian verse with an American accent, which potentially creates difficulty for the audience in following the plot.   During this performance, the majority of the cast maintained their American accents well, though, just occasionally, the dialogue was indistinct and the accent slipped during some vocal numbers.
All the principals had been well rehearsed in their various roles by Director David Tatnall. They did very well and were well supported by a large, vocal chorus but the two who stood out best were Harry Butterwick  as love-lorn Cookie and Maria Miles as the Science Officer.
Martin Paterson as Musical Director worked hard to keep the orchestra in check succeeding well in keeping their volume under control from the full choruses right through to the quieter sung solo vocals. 
Choreographer Louise Hodson had devised some great moves for both the principals and chorus, which visually enhanced the evening's performance. With atmospheric lighting and sound effects, this all added to a most enjoyable evening's entertainment.
 

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