MIXING Shakespeare, sci-fi and classic rock may seem strange to some. But the award-winning musical, Return To The Forbidden Planet proves that it can be done successfully.

Written and created by Bob Carlton, Return to the Forbidden Planet is currently touring for its 25th anniversary.

Set in the 1950s, the play is based on Shakespeare's The Tempest including the romantic Shakespearian language.

Collaborated with sci-fi fiction, based on the 1950s film Forbidden Planet and rock and roll classic hits including 'Great Balls of Fire', 'Born to Be Wild' and a few words from Queen's Brian May throughout.

What's interesting is that the play is very informal. Prior to the show, the cast casually walk around the theatre and greet guests in character, which further adds to the brilliant audience interaction the play offers so well.

Everyone knows exactly what to do when they are instructed to participate, proving its cult following. Although, new comers to the play, should be recommended to read the synopsis before, as much of the first few acts are hard to follow.

With only one spaceship style stage set up throughout, the cast work around it effortlessly. The cast themselves are multi-talented, very energetic, great actors and excellent musicians.

The stars of the show are definitely Cookie, played by Mark Newman and the robot Ariel, played by Joseph Mann who both, like the rest, deliver stunning performances and without doubt give the audience a belly laugh.

If your into all of the above, its really worth going to watch. Expect brilliant live music, to a laugh a lot and to be up dancing and singing at the end.

- Return To The Forbidden Planet is at Manchester's Palace Theatre until Saturday.

RACHEL HOLMES