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Michael Cox reviews a 'reliably entertaining' production.
Return to the Forbidden Planet is almost impossible to pigeonhole: is it pastiche, a jukebox musical, a tribute? In truth, it's all of this, and more: a rock retelling of an iconic 50s science fiction film that's peppered with Shakespearean misquotes and constant wink/nudges to the audience.
And if you go with it, without overthinking or making too many demands, the whole thing is a blast.
As with the film, the story is a futuristic tale inspired by The Tempest. Prospero here is a scientist who’s been banished to a desolate planet, with only his daughter Miranda and robot Arial for company; magic spells have been replaced by a scientific formula which allows anyone who drinks it to have the ability to manifest anything from their mind—or from the deep hollows of their subconscious. When a ship crash-lands on the planet, Prospero has the chance to share his findings with humanity—and Miranda discovers love and heartbreak.
Outrageous? Sure, but it works rather well, mostly down to
its steadfast company of performers and musicians, who embed the whole
production with an astounding amount of energy. Singing ‘Great Balls of Fire’
during an asteroid attack or ‘Good Vibrations’ when Miranda meets the ship’s
crew sounds ridiculously corny, but everything is performed with commendable
commitment, and though there isn't a moment that is abundantly hammy there is a
consistent smirk to be found.
And it's rather fun hearing such great rock songs from the 50s and 60s performed with such gusto, resulting in a show that doesn't do anything original but still manages to feel fresh and be reliably entertaining. And do make sure you stay behind for the encore—it is without question the best performance of the night.
Return to the Forbidden Planet is at the Edinburgh Festival unto March 14 before continuing its UK tour.
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