THIS year sees the 25th anniversary of the Olivier Award-winning musical Return to the Forbidden Planet and a new touring production plays at Darlington Civic Theatre next month.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, it tells the story of the crew of a routine survey flight under the command of Captain Tempest. After take-off, he converses with the ship's new science officer, who is a woman, and they argue about the importance of men and women on earth. During their argument, the ship gets caught in a meteor shower.

The spaceship is drawn mysteriously to the planet D’Illyria where the crew meet mad scientist Doctor Prospero, who has been marooned on the planet since his wife and science partner Gloria sent him and their daughter Miranda into space.

The show is packed with rock ‘n’ roll classics such as I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Young Girl and Gloria, with stunning special effects and a brilliant cast of actor musicians. Founding member of Queen and a world-renowned guitarist Brian May will appear via video projection as the Newscaster.

Audiences are invited to wear fancy dress. The show is at the Civic Theatre from Monday to Saturday, March 2-7. Tickets start at £19. Contact the box office on 01325 486 555 or visit darlingtoncivic.co.uk.