Taking the Spotlight: Return to the Forbidden Planet

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend Spotlight Theatre your eyes and ears this week with the take off of Return to the Forbidden Planet. A fantastic collaboration of Shakespeare, 50’s and 60’s music, and the deliberate cheesiness of B-movies; this musical showcases the broad spectrum of talent that the theatre is capable of like never before. The comedy is relentless, playing on Shakespeare’s most famous lines, or filling the intervals between songs with satirical drama, slapstick, and two Barbie Dolls. Directed by Beverly Maskall-Wood, this is one of Spotlight’s most engaging and unique performances to have lift off.

Present your boarding pass and prepare to reverse polarity as you are quickly flown into the world of the SS Albatross and its crew on a routine survey flight which is pulled towards planet D’Illyria by believed-tobe-defector scientist Prospero.

Damage Control and the Navigation Officer manning their stations.

Credit: Spotlight Theatre

The crew is manned by Captain Tempest, their Science Officer, the Navigation Officer, crewmate Bosun Arras, and Cookie the guitarplaying cook. Captain Tempest often steals with the stage with incredible control of his body language and voice, which carries his performance to the stars. This is not to discredit the ‘Damage Control’ crew who grace the centre pieces of the stage with flourish that brings the whole thing to life.

From D’Illyria we meet Propsero himself, a bold and passionate scientist who commands the stage as well as his own roller-skating robot Ariel. The latter can often be seen flickering and flashing with a brilliantly designed costume that feels reminiscent of early sci-fi. Following her father Prospero, Miranda also appears on the ship, sporting teenage desire and spectacular saxophone skills.

The audience will also meet ‘News Reader’ who fills the narrative role from Shakespeare’s work, and gives the audience a good laugh whilst explaining the important parts of the story at the beginning and end of each act.

Signs of romance are discovered on Prospero.

Credit: Spotlight Theatre

The musical parts of the performance feature live instruments, background dancers, and lead performers all filling the stage with a mesmerising display of disco choreography, and a vibrant chorus of voices. Rick Windley (Cookie) takes full control of Great Balls of Fire with his outstanding range; Dan Casey’s (Prospero) voice is a perfect match for Monster Mash which was a highlight of the show; Luke Gillingham and Amelia Moylan battle for the stage with their talent, showcasing chemistry, passion, and enjoyment; Shania Paige sings and skates and steals the spotlight (partly because she is dressed in flashing lights), and a shoutout must be made to wonderful Geoff Allanach who is playing non-stop piano through-out the entire show with the vibrance of Jerry Lee Lewis himself.

Captain and the Cook talk through their emotions.

Credit: Spotlight Theatre

A hugely successful flight, shooting for the stars and reaching them with unfaltering entertainment. The journey is just as weird and wonderful as the destination in the nostalgic future of Return to the Forbidden Planet. Get lost in the amazing set design put together by John Allanach, who will have you thinking you’re aboard Star Trek’s Enterprise, as you dance and sing along with the crew of the Albatross on their journey to fix the ship, uncover strange secrets, and return back home.

Prospero commands the ship and stage.

Credit: Spotlight Theatre

The show is available all week, ending on Sunday 30th . Throughout the week and weekend Spotlight will be taking passengers at 7.30pm, and on Sunday their final flight will take off at 2.30pm. Boarding passes for adults are £12.00, and £8 for children. As always, booking can be done in person, online at: spotlighttheatrebrid.co.uk, or via phone on 01262 678258.

For any updates or behind the scenes sneak-peeks, check out Spotlight Threatre Bridlington on Facebook!