Dr Dolittle the Musical Review

The Lowry, Salford – until 2nd January 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5***** 

This Christmas time Salford Quays are adorned with lights outside and warm gentle singalong show tunes inside The Lowry as Dr Dolittle and ensemble have arrived to brighten up your drab winter days. The book, music and indeed lyrics have been written by Leslie Bricusse but are based on the stories by Hugh Lofting not to mention the Twentieth Century Fox film of the same name staring Rex Harrison. It’s a throwback to that very same 1967 film, full on dancing even the odd Irish jig if you listen and watch closely enough and I doubt you’ll have any problems with that. I admit it’s been some years since I watched the Giant Pink Snail save the day, but if you allow it then the nostalgia will just wash over you like a snugly blanket. It’s the following morning and I’m still humming the opening song This is the world of Dr Dolittle. You may find yourself questioning some of the songs and some of the singing but honestly enjoy it, the original film contained some questionable singing itself, the actors were not known for their singing but that adds to the all round charm. I’m going to gush a little now, the puppets… oh my the puppets are simply brilliant in every way. We left the theatre discussing which was our favourite. The design, the choreography on it’s own leaves you speechless. The rawness of seeing the performer inside from the pushmi-pullyu to the simple head movements of Sophie the seal pulling at your heart strings. The Giant Pink Snail more than deserved a round of applause when it graced the stage, magnificent.

Mark Williams is delightful as the animal loving, human disliking Dr Dolittle. As a star of many a hit television show it’s hard to break free from the confines of a certain character and at times I expected to see him wielding an umbrella ala Father Brown, but a fully convincing Dr he was, Rex Harrison is such an iconic persona to follow but he’s now bound to history as Mark Williams brings our rather mirthless but lovable Dr up to date; even if our story is set in early Victorian days. Vicky Entwistle brings her unmistakable voice and shows a new talent for puppetry to the role of Polynesia the Parrot who aided our good Dr in his quest for knowledge and to be able to talk to the animals (try saying that without singing the line, it’s hard) . There’s Adele Anderson who brings a touch of pantomime villainy to her roles as Lady Bellowes and Poison Arrow seeking to control all animals in a parody of Talk to the Animals. Brian Capron who is very Richard Attenburghesque in his role of Albert Blossom circus owner especially during the musical number I’ve never seen anything like it and gave me the giggles in his role as Straight Arrow (straight to Harrow) a surprisingly well spoken and daper looking gentleman despite conversing by means of picture notes. Patrick Sullivan as Matthew Mugg, the Dr’s good friend, nice guy, warm and friendly the exact opposite of the man himself almost as if we’re looking at a photographic negative. An all round lovable rogue who proves he can hold a tune himself as well entertaining us with a spot of cleverly included Irish River-dancing. Mollie Melia Redgrave as Emma Fairfax has the extra wow factor her voice is amazing, my arms were prickled with goosebumps. A name I certainly will look out for in the future. You sense there may just be a budding romance between Emma and Matt, but equally Emma is in herself a great character, a young woman seeking adventure. Questioning the world around her, in a time when women were seldom seen yet alone heard. She is a precursor to a Suffragette. A strong woman who you delight in seeing her excel beyond what society dictates her role should be. Our last character to note is young Tommy Stubbins who will be portrayed during the shows run by six young actors each deserve a mention and I hope after tonight’s show I see them develop as an actor in years to come, it’s obvious the stage likes him and the maturity on stage was incredible to see as a Mum myself you feel a sense of pride! So well done to Quillan O’Meara-McDonald, Thomas Ryan, Harry Cross, Elliot Morris, Louis Parker and Elliot Rose.

Watching a stage show quite often changes your perception of a book or a play and I did just that. I’d always thought of Dr Dolittle as a fantasy film, sailing to Sea Star Island a tropical paradise. However if you dig deep and it may all be down to Leslie Bricusse’s skill as a writer, you sense there’s a little dig at how we not only treat animals but how some humans are left voiceless unable to be seen and heard in a world that quite often delivers injustice. The set itself is bright and open for us all to witness changing scenery, workings of each animal, the numbers on stage at times are vast yet never confusing. Again I’m amazed at the sheer skill and obvious attention to details, not to mention hours of practice. The musicians are placed to the side of the set but high up, unobtrusive yet as clear as can be for everyone to see.

In a time of uncertainty and if you’re seeking an escape from Christmas, I guarantee Dr Dolittle will have you toe tapping, humming filled with a warm fuzzy glow.