Take an intergalactic rollercoaster ride aboard the starship Albatross and join the heroic, if hapless, Captain Tempest and his crew as they find themselves marooned on a strange planet with a mad scientist and a roller-skating robot!
One of the great rock 'n' roll musicals, featuring classic hits including Wipeout, Good Vibrations, The Monster Mash and Great Balls of Fire - Return To The Forbidden Planet is the creation of award-winning writer Bob Carlton. Cult show It's a big show with a cult following, so it's hats off to the UEA Drama Society for firing up their warp drives and giving this one a go. Based loosely on Shakespeare's The Tempest and influenced by the B-movie genre, you can sit smug in the audience as you bathe in a selection of the Bard's best bits raining down like a meteor shower. Thanks to the three-strong directing team (Matt Hassall, Hayley Payne and Philippa O'Shaughnessy) this production's cup over-floweth with giant characters and a healthy dose of camp kitsch. A strong cast segues easily from the dialogue, to the musical numbers and back. And whilst, like the engine of Tempest's rocket, there was a need of a little tuning - what is lacking in vocal finesse is more than made up for with gusto and enthusiasm. Key cast Heading up the main cast is Tom Hartill who swaggers around the stage as the leader of our pack, the lycra clad Captain Tempest. Think of a cross between Hans Solo and Captain Kirk!
 | | Ashleyanne Krigbaum as Gloria, the science officer |
Ashleyanne Krigbaum belts out the songs and makes for a striking science officer, looking iconic in her 50's hair-do and glasses, she shares her obvious love for her role. Adam Moulder shines as the wide-eyed, gaunt and deeply disturbed mad scientist Doctor Prospero. Staying true to the show's Shakespearean roots, a soliloquy remains - it is delivered with passion and conviction. For me Simon Goble, steals the limelight with his great stage presence and beautifully effective portrayal of Cookie - ship's cook and hopeless romantic. A teenager in love, we follow his broken heart and dreams that one day, the course of true love will run smooth. And make sure to keep an eye out for members of the larger-than-life ship's crew - each a fantastic cameo throughout the show. The hair and make-up are a triumph, collectively the house band are a leading cast member in their own right and when you go to see the show - pay attention to the safety briefing. You never know when you'll need to engage the Polarity Reversal Proceedure! Return To The Forbidden Planet runs at the UEA Drama Studio until Friday, 4 May, 2007. For more details call the Union Box Office 01603 508050. | 
