A musical adaptation of the 1980s hit film BACK TO THE FUTURE is to premiere at Manchester in 2020 ahead of a planned West End transfer.

Opening at the Manchester Opera House from 20th February, BACK TO THE FUTURE is booking for a limited 12-week run, finishing in Manchester on 17th May. Although producers have announced plans for a West End transfer, London dates and venue are still to be confirmed.

Directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando (URINETOWN), the new musical is based on the iconic 1985 film where teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to the 1950s and has to make sure his parents fall in love.

The new musical is penned by Bob Gale and features new music and lyrics by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri (who wrote the score for the original movie). In addition to new songs in the show, the production has confirmed it will feature ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B Goode’ from the original film.

The role of Marty McFly, performed by Michael J Fox in the original film trilogy, will be played by Olly Dobson. Dobson’s previous stage credits include BAT OUT OF HELL. Further casting for the musical, including the iconic role of Doc Brown, is still to be announced.

BACK TO THE FUTURE will feature set and costume design by Tim Hatley, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Gareth Owen, video design by Finn Ross, choreography by Chris Bailey, illusions by Paul Kieve, musical supervision and vocal arrangements by Nick Finlow, orchestrations by Ethan Popp and dance arrangements by David Chase.

The BACK TO THE FUTURE musical adaptation is brought to the stage by the original creative team of the film, director Robert Zemeckis, and screenwriter and producer Bob Gale. Colin Ingram will serve as lead producer of the musical.

Ingram said: ‘This show has been six years in the making and we are delighted to be showing it to the people of Manchester first before the rest of the world gets to see it. As I did with GHOST, Manchester gets it first’.

Christopher Lloyd, who starred as Doc Brown in the original movie, endorsed the musical saying: ‘I’m really looking forward to attending the opening in Manchester to experience our wonderful movie as a musical. I’m only sorry I don’t have a real time machine so that I could see it tomorrow!’

Development on the BACK TO THE FUTURE musical was reported on as early as 2014, with Jamie Lloyd (PINTER AT THE PINTER, EVITA at Regent’s Park) initially attached to direct the project. The piece entered the workshop stage with Tony Award-winner Roger Bart playing Doc Brown and plans to open as early as 2015. Following Lloyd’s departure from the creative team, little in the way of official announcements were made for the musical up to now.

BACK TO THE FUTURE runs at Manchester Opera House from 20th February 2020 to 17th May 2020. Tickets go on general sale 24th May.