Why Watch Back to the Future: The Musical?
- This award‑winning musical offers a dynamic, all‑singing and all‑dancing adaptation of the classic 1985 film loved by millions.
- The production won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and multiple WhatsOnStage Awards for lighting, sound and video design..
- A high‑energy blend of sci‑fi, comedy, romance and nostalgia ensures appeal for families, movie fans and musical lovers alike.
- Expect breakthrough stagecraft: projections, special effects, strobe lights and a near‑full‑scale DeLorean on stage transform Hill Valley into reality
- The Australian premiere at Sydney Lyric Theater opens in September 2025 with Tony Award‑winner Roger Bart reprising Doc Brown alongside a top local cast.
Back to the Future: The Musical brings the 1985 Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale film to life on stage. With music by Alan Silvestri, lyrics by Glen Ballard, and direction by Tony Award‑winner John Rando, this Olivier Award‑winning production debuted in Manchester and West End before Broadway success. The Sydney cast features Australia’s rising talent: Axel Duffy as Marty McFly, Ashleigh Rubenach as Lorraine Baines, Ethan Jones as George McFly, and Javon King in dual roles as Goldie Wilson and Marvin Berry.A 68‑person production team built the set and props over five months, including a 90% scale, automated DeLorean time‑machine, extensive illusions, projection design, live orchestra, sound and lighting effects Expect both original songs and classics from the film—“The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.” The creative team includes award‑winning designers and illusion experts delivering vivid staging, automated set pieces and a functional-looking DeLorean car. Critics in the UK praised it as “a blast… packs more energy than a nuclear reactor.
Storyline
In 1985, Marty McFly accidentally triggers Dr. Emmett Brown’s time‑traveling DeLorean and is thrust back to 1955. Stranded in his parents’ youth, Marty must navigate high school drama and ensure they fall in love—or risk erasing his own existence. Through music and movement, Back to the Future Sydney reimagines this iconic tale with humor, heart, and suspense. Who will save Hill Valley—the past or the future?
Show timings
Show timings for Back to the Future: The Musical may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Top songs
Expect electrifying renditions of iconic hits from the film including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time,” alongside original songs by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard created exclusively for the stage.
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from AUD $65, with standard adult pricing ranging from approximately $99 to $220, depending on seat type and location.
There’s no strict age limit, but it’s most suitable for children aged 6 and above. Viewers under 16 must be seated next to a supervising adult.
When Marty McFly is sent back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric inventor Doc Brown, he must fix the past to save the future—before it’s too late.
The running time is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, including a single 20-minute intermission.
The main stars include Roger Bart as Doc Brown and Axel Duffy as Marty McFly. They’re joined by Ashleigh Rubenach, Ethan Jones, and Javon King.
The Australian premiere begins on Friday, 26 September 2025 at the Sydney Lyric Theater.
The show includes flashing lights, strobe effects, smoke/haze, and pyrotechnics throughout the performance.
Yes, Sydney Lyric offers wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, companion seating, and lift/ramp access from The Star car park.
It’s located at 55 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, within The Star entertainment complex, about 2 km from Sydney CBD.
Yes, accessible parking is available at The Star car park with ramp access to the theatre foyer.
Yes, it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2022, and has received critical acclaim in both the UK and US.
Tickets are available through the official website, Ticketmaster Australia, and TodayTix, with pricing and seating options listed.
Expect a high-energy production featuring a live orchestra, incredible special effects, a DeLorean on stage, and dazzling visuals that bring 1955 and 1985 to life.
Sydney Lyric has hosted major productions including Hamilton, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Mary Poppins, and Strictly Ballroom.
