Fasten your seatbelts for a flight into space. Join the heroic Captain Tempest and his crew as they find themselves marooned on strange planet with a mad scientist and a roller-skating robot! Return To The Forbidden Planet, created by the award-winng Bob Carlton, started life at the Cambridge Theatre in London's West End and has toured ever since. Inspired by the 1956 B-movie, derived by Shakespeare's The Tempest, the show has been loved by audiences since 1989. Last seen in Norwich when Tempest's rocket landed as part of the official tour in 2006, the show returns in a production by the University Of East Anglia (UEA), which opens on Wednesday, 2 May, 2007. Good vibrations The show features a sensational rock 'n' roll soundtrack including Good Vibrations, The Monster Mash, Gloria and Great Balls of Fire.
 | | This musical rocks 'n rolls |
"There are more than 30 songs in the show and we've been rehearsing for about six weeks," said co-director Philippa O'Shaughnessy. "It's been really intense, a real challenge, but it's sounding fantastic and is a real showcase for the talent here at the UEA. "It's such a massive show, so the acting has got to be huge too. This show has made people really come out of their shell, their comfort zone, they've really had to push themselves," she added. Brush up your Shakespeare Bob Carlton's initial aim with the show was tempt people back to a love of the Bard. He used a backdrop of The Tempest, fused with a love story that hints towards Romeo And Juliet. By adding a rock 'n roll soundtrack and a giant dose of sci-fi - it was a mix that ensured the production went on to have two successful West End, a life on tour and a popular choice for amateur companies. "We wanted to do a show that was really fun and upbeat, that people could enjoy," said co-director Matthew Hassal. "It's a show that appeals to a really wide audience, rather than just something that works for people on the university campus. It's also got that great B-movie element. The show's big, camp, lots of fun - a really good night out," he added. Out with a bang
 | | B-movie inspired sci-fi capers |
The majority of the student cast are working on their degree finals. The production doesn't count towards their mark, but the show makes sure they leave Norwich with a bang. "This is done just for fun and it's great experience for those wanting to go into musical theatre," said production manager Emily Aylward. "It's a really good opportunity to see what young people can achieve. It's a fantastic space, huge set, amazing costumes and a talented cast. "We've really pushed the boat out on this production and is something that we can be immensely proud of. The standard is incredibly professional and we hope people we come to see that for themselves," she added. Return To The Forbidden Planet lifts off at the UEA Drama Studio on Wednesday, 2 May and runs until Friday, 4 May, 2007. For more details call the Union Box Office 01603 508050. | 
