Interview: 'It's Surreal': Vasco Emauz on Making His West End Debut in BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL

Back To The Future: The Musical is currently delighting audiences at London's Adelphi Theatre.

The award-winning show sees Marty McFly transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by scientist Doc Brown - and features songs from the beloved film including "The Power Of Love", "Earth Angel" and "Johnny B. Goode", as well as songs written for the musical.

BroadwayWorld sat down with actor Vasco Emauz to find out more about Back To The Future: The Musical and how it feels to making his West End debut as Marty McFly.

You’re playing one of the most iconic characters in film history, Marty McFly. How did you feel when you were first asked to be part of Back To The Future: The Musical?

I was completely elated. I think, as you say it’s such an iconic character. I saw the musical before I got the role, so I had already seen it and I said to a friend in the intermission, ‘I want to play that role someday.’ It’s just such an incredible part. When I found out that I got it, I was ecstatic. It’s been a dream come true.

How have you approached your interpretation of the character?

I think, like you said it’s an iconic character and an iconic aspect of this character is Michael J Fox. They are kind of intertwined I’d say, so I wanted to honour his performance as Marty, as well as bringing my own sauce to the table. I watched every single movie and I watched clips of Michael J Fox. When I am doing the show itself, for me it’s always a matter of knowing who the character is and the situation they’re in. That obviously then just becomes my own version of it through that.

You joined the cast a few months ago. What has the audience reaction been like to the show and to your performance?

It’s going great. The audiences are so generous with the show. I think there’s so many moments that are guaranteed a great reaction, because that’s just the way the story is written. It really makes you root for these characters. It’s been wonderful to see the audience reaction every night.

This is your professional and West End debut too, so that’s really exciting!

To play the lead. It’s honestly surreal. I’m so grateful.

You’re one of a number of new cast members in the show. What has it been like working with both the new and returning cast in the musical?

It’s been great. It was my first job, but everyone in the cast and the team was so supportive and so welcoming. I think they’re all such lovely people and such talented people. Discovering our characters together and moments of connection, all that has been really great. I feel like I keep saying everything has been great, but honestly, it’s a great company.

One of the most memorable moments of both the film and of course in the musical is the time travelling DeLorean. What was it like for you seeing those special effects onstage for the first time?

It’s pure theatre magic. When you’re in it, it feels kind of real. I’m in a car that’s moving on stage. It is pure magic.

What are your favourite songs to perform in the show?

I love the opening number, because it’s got such good energy. "Put Your Mind To It" is also amazing. I love the duet with George. It’s such a heartwarming moment of closeness with his dad. It’s so fun to perform. And of course, "Johnny B. Goode" and "The Power Of Love" are just iconic songs by themselves and iconic songs during the musical as well. It’s amazing. So fun.

Why do you think Back To The Future appeals to audiences of all generations - not just the films, but the musical too?

I think there’s some movies that just stand the test of time. I think this is one of them, because it’s a story set in the eighties and goes back to the fifties, but it’s kind of like, it is just a story about connection and bettering yourself. I think the best part about the show is that he’s [Marty’s] just helping his dad believe in himself. I think that’s something really universal that stands the test of time. Just believing in yourself. Actually know that if you try to achieve your dreams, you might accomplish them. You’ll never know if you don’t and that’s the message of the show in general.

Can you describe Back To The Future: The Musical in three words?

Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Back To The Future: The Musical is at London's Adelphi Theatre. Tickets are on sale now.

Main Photo Credit: Michael Carlo Photography

Production photo credits: Matt Crockett