Return to the Forbidden Planet at the King’s Theatre Glasgow Review
Return to the
Forbidden Planet
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
9-14 February 2015
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
My son and I visited the King’s Theatre in Glasgow and had a fantastic night of space travel in the 25th Anniversary Tour of Return to the Forbidden Planet written and created by Bob Carlton.
Opening in the Cambridge Theatre in 1989, Return to the Forbidden Planet is set in the 1950’s and is an interesting mix of space travel, rock and roll and Shakespeare! It is a night for literary and music buff alike, though I have to admit to not being that hot on Shakespeare!
The scene was set even before the show started as the cast prepare the audience for participation later in the show and circulate with the inflight menu which totally fascinated my son.
Return to the Forbidden Planet tells the story of a spaceship which crashes on the planet D’Illyria inhabited by Dr Prospero (Jonathan Markwood), his daughter Miranda (Sarah Scowen) and the robot, Ariel (Joseph Mann), he built… the names even hint at the Shakespeare connection. Every member of the cast deserves a mention- they were all phenomenal!
The show is a very unique musical in many respects: the dialogue within the show is all in Shakespearian format and quote from many of the Bards works, hand-held microphones are used throughout the show and the mega talented cast all play multiple instruments on stage. The instruments are also used as props through the show.
The show features many classic hits – Great Balls of Fire, Good Vibrations, All Shook Up, The Young Ones, Monster Mash to name a few – fantastic music to sing and dance along to.
The encore felt like the after show party had started on the stage as the cast gave it everything and the audience rock and rolled along with them.
The show runs until the 14 February may not be the most romantic location for Valentine’s Day, but it would be one of the most enjoyable!
The King’s Theatre is a stunning listed building located in Bath Street. It is within walking distance of rail and bus station. The theatre has a warm and friendly ambience and the staff were helpful and welcoming.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £48.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Return to the Forbidden Planet is at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow until 14 February 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.
King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
