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Biff to the Future

 
Victor Black Review by Victor Black 3 Published: 28 Aug 2025 Assembly George Square Gardens Show Dates: 31 Jul 2025-24 Aug 2025

Walking into the room at the start of Biff to the Future is a wondrous thing. The set is beautiful, with little corners of the stage dedicated to various locations from the trilogy, most notably the central clock, while 80s bangers play as the audience enter.

Make like a leaf and go and watch Biff to the Future

The show begins with writer and performer Joseph Maudsley bounding on stage and introducing himself as Biff. He’s definitely got Biff’s energy, and can’t be blamed for not bearing much physical resemblance to him, but Maudsley doesn’t try hard enough to embody his voice or mannerisms. From the outset it’s clear the show can’t reach its potential, because no matter what happens over the next hour, the audience aren’t going to feel close enough to watching the real Biff.

Biff opens with a fun Power of Love parody that sets the scene well, before we launch into an overview of the trilogy from our antagonist-turned-protagonist’s perspective. It’s a great idea, reframing what we think we know about the franchise in a similar way to how Wicked adds extra lore to The Wizard of Oz through Elphaba’s eyes.

From an aesthetic perspective, the show is triumphant. The sound and lighting are strong, with some top-notch sight gags, tongue-in-cheek quips pointing out flaws in the films, and plenty of enjoyable exposition. The action is fast paced and covers a lot of ground, mostly focusing on the first two films, with interludes paying tribute to the final entry in the trilogy. There’s good audience involvement, with members invited up to help out – including driving a remote control DeLorean. But the key to the show’s success lies in its central performance. Not only does Maudsley not fully embody his primary character, he also takes on Marty and Doc in equally underwhelming style.

The show relies on its audience having seen the whole trilogy. While it’s accessible without that knowledge, you’ll be playing catch-up. It’s family friendly, though there are a couple of references you might need to explain to younger children afterwards. The premise has all the ingredients for a smash hit – Biff seeking a sympathetic redemption arc – but without a more refined stage persona there’s little grounding for an emotional response.

If you’re a fan of the trilogy (and let’s face it, who isn’t?) I’d still recommend it. So if you feel like taking a punt, make like a leaf and go and watch Biff to the Future.

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The Blurb:

The iconic villain of Back to the Future takes centre stage in this comedic reimagination of Marty’s time-traveling escapades, turning the celebrated cinematic trilogy on its head from the perspective of Biff, the bully audiences love to hate. This new, heartfelt and unauthorised parody explores the highs and lows of a life chasing power, fame and fortune, reliving Biff’s encounters with Marty and Doc across the centuries. For superfans and newcomers alike! Created by Joseph Maudsley (as seen in the Reduced Shakespeare Company, FRIEND and Potted Potter). Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson.