Return to the Forbidden Planet

C    30 July - 25 August @ 18.15    Hartshorn-Hook Productions

If you want a fun escapist musical where classic pop is cleverly interwoven with a dollop of Shakespeare, this musical - itself inspired by the cult 1956 sci-fi  film of the same name, starring Walter Pidgeon & Leslie Nielsen - is a show I might suggest you see. However, if you don’t wish to sit through a slapdash show of strutting and fretting, then avoid the current version running at C venue 34.

The attractive young actor/musicians leap around, looking like they are enjoying themselves, and often stare directly at you as they deliver their songs. There are some strong voices, and the cast take turns at the odd musical instrument. Backing up the cast, and worthy of note, is a trio of very able musicians - two boy guitarists and a girl drummer. Usually in the best productions of this musical, the musicians share the spotlight. Unfortunately, in this version, they are never allowed to show off their musicianship, but are instead kept firmly behind the action. The drummer was almost totally obscured behind a silver screen, with just a tantalising glimpse of the top half of her head from my back row seat. Some basic restaging would benefit this show.