Back to the Future in Concert - Royal Albert Hall

The 1980s was a highly memorable decade for pop culture, the influence of which still ripples into our present day. It was the era of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk and Madonna’s reign as the Queen of Pop. The newly created MTV captured the zeitgeist on the small screen while what we now consider to be classic movies dominated the big screen. From Spielberg’s E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark to John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club via Ghostbusters and The Empire Strikes Back, these blockbusters have well and truly stood the test of time.

Back to the Future in Concert. Image (C) Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc.

No list of films of the 80s is complete without Back to the Future. Sending its star, Michael J. Fox, to stratospheric fame, the movie also established writer and director Robert Zemeckis, who would go on to helm hits such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Forest Gump. In his breakthrough picture, Zemeckis introduces us to endearing teenager Marty McFly (Fox), who is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean built by the eccentric Doc (a career defining Christopher Lloyd). Inadvertently altering the meeting of his parents and therefore his own creation, Marty must ensure the two fall in love before he heads back to the future.

Forty years later, and while certain aspects show their age, the film’s themes of family, fate and destiny, as well as the choices we make, still resonate. The sci-fi premise and its playful tone continue to thrill audiences of all ages. What better way to mark its milestone anniversary than by being presented as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s much-loved Films in Concert series. Conducted by Stefan Geiger, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra plays to picture and allows the full impact of Alan Silvestri’s score to be enjoyed. Additional music by the composer has been written especially for the event, and the man himself makes a brief, light-hearted introduction that sees him throw out quotes for the enthused audience to complete. There are some hardcore fans in the building, with some wearing T-shirts displaying the film’s title, and a few even dressed up as Marty. A DeLorean parked outside the hall also provides photo opportunities and contributes to the pervading excitement.

The orchestra mirrors our collective exuberance with the instantly recognisable main theme boldly bolstering what we are seeing on screen. This piece of music encapsulates the high-octane energy of the film and its sweeping sense of youthful adventure. When performed live, it instantly removes us from reality and permits us to fully immerse ourselves in Marty’s story. Silvestri’s ‘Skateboard Chase’ is big and brassy with the orchestra seamlessly blending the uplifting high tempo compositions with the initially softer ‘Doc Returns’ and ‘Marty’s Letter’. ‘The Clocktower’ with its fast-paced strings punctuates the tension of the film’s climax and sees the orchestra and conductor in fighting form. It’s no surprise that rapturous applause and standing ovations are offered as the final credits roll.

Anyone with a passion for cinema, music and motion picture scores should experience these concerts at least once. Not only does the orchestra elevate our favourite films to new heights, but seeing them projected in such surroundings as the Royal Albert Hall allows them to be truly special and memorable occasions. Back to the Future in Concert is no exception.