“It’s a really beautiful story with such relatable themes”: Sarah Goggin on Back to the Future the Musical

Time travel has become quite the genre over the years, becoming more and more populated with unique takes and creative manners of execution. Think About Time, The Time Traveller’s Wife and even most recently, The Present starring Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear. All of these stories, though farfetched may the concept be, are rooted in themes of family and relationship dynamics. But the most common use of the mechanic is within sci-fi and fantasy spaces, with incredible gadgets and complicated technology to achieve the possibility of changing the past and experiencing the future. It’s a major hook for a lot of modern superhero films, from Avengers: Endgame to The Flash. The renowned trilogy Back to the Future combines both the larger-than-life wonders and contraptions of time travel as well as a deep focus on the grounded and human stories of love and living a life beyond what one is destined for.

The sci-fi cult classic starring Michael J Fox comes to life once again, this time onstage at the Adelphi theatre, complete with the beloved characters everyone knows well and loves – from eccentric Doc to the iconic Marty McFly – and of course, the legendary time travelling DeLorean. With multiple awards under its belt, a new cast, and the show approaching a possible end to its run this coming July 2024, the rally to see this story on stage one last time before it’s gone forever is stronger now than ever. Playing the role of Lorraine Baines, Marty’s mother, is Sarah Goggin. The Upcoming caught up with the actor, discussing the dynamic of moving into an already-established cast, the production of something as technical as Back to the Future and what she would do given the chance to travel into the future.

Were you a big fan of the Back to the Future films?

My brother was a huge fan, so it was always on in our house.

Which of the three films from the series is your favourite to watch personally?

It has to be the first one – isn’t it? It’s just so iconic.

What is it like to step into the role of Lorraine Baines?

She’s such a fun role to play. You get to go on a real journey with her.

As a new cast member, how hard is it to adjust to an already well-established group with their dynamic, both on-stage and behind the scenes?

It’s obviously rather overwhelming. But the entire team made it so seamless. It’s such a wonderful company with lovely humans who are all so talented.

What’s your favourite song from the musical and why?

I love Teach Him a Lesson. Such a fun number.

What’s it like working on a production with so much technical and science-like spectacle going on?

It’s the most technical show I’ve ever been part of. But the entire team backstage make it all look easy. They are so vital to the show and there’s a whole show going on backstage that no one sees. It’s incredible.

What do you think draws people in to continuously watch this classic story and characters, again and again?

It’s a really beautiful story with such relatable themes; from personal growth to friendships, family, loving the life you have, and how the grass isn’t always greener. There’s something in the show for everyone.

If you had the chance to see the future ten years from now, would you take it?

A younger version of myself probably would have, but I think I’d prefer to live in the present.

Mae Trumata
Image: Johan Persson

Back to the Future the Musical is at Adelphi Theatre until 24^th July 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.