Photo Credit: https://www.sydneylyric.com.au/back-to-the-future
If your family loves a good mix of laughter, nostalgia, and a little bit of movie magic, then Back to the Future: The Musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre is a must-see. I took my family along over the weekend, and honestly, we all walked out with huge smiles on our faces — and maybe a sudden urge to rewatch the original film when we got home!
The magic starts the moment the DeLorean appears
Let’s start with the obvious: the special effects are next-level amazing. Without giving too much away, the way they pull off the time-travel scenes is pure theatre magic. There were gasps, cheers, and a few “How did they do that?!” moments from my kids (and, I’ll admit, from me too). It’s a visual treat from start to finish — bright, funny, and full of energy.
Brilliant performances that make it all shine
Photo Credit: https://www.sydneylyric.com.au/back-to-the-future
The cast is fantastic. Axel Duffy plays Marty McFly with the perfect mix of teenage cool and heart, while Roger Bart (as Doc Brown) completely steals the show with his hilarious, mad-scientist energy. But the real surprise for me was the actor playing Marty’s dad, George McFly. He was so funny and endearing — every awkward movement and nervous laugh had the audience giggling. His scenes added a lot of warmth to the story and were some of my personal favourites.
The music: fun for the whole family
The show features a mix of new songs and the classics we all know and love. While the original songs are catchy in the moment (even if you don’t remember them later), it’s the old favourites like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” that really bring the house down. My kids were bouncing in their seats, and I couldn’t resist a little chair-dancing myself.
A great night out for all ages
This is a brilliant family show. It’s fast-paced, full of humour, and easy for kids to follow — even if they haven’t seen the movie. There’s no bad language or anything inappropriate, though there are a few louder moments and flashing lights to keep in mind for younger children. At about two and a half hours (with interval), it’s long but totally engaging — my two didn’t get restless once!