Churchill Theatre – until 24 November 2018.
Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith
5*****
One of my great pleasure’s growing up was having a story read to me at bed time. All wrapped up in my cosy duvet protected from the world while listening to the melodic tones of the story teller. Taking me on a journey to sleep land. Congratulations Churchill Theatre, that was the emotion you evoked last night with your production of Dr Dolittle.
The show opens with Polynesia, the parrot, appearing from the book and introducing us to this incredible tale of the failed human doctor who really wanted to administer his medical skills to the welfare of animals. How much easier that would be if he could talk to the animals?
Tom Piper, set and costume design, made each new scene feel like another turn of the page. The simplicity of the surroundings and props made you focus on the characters, which was so important especially with the animals.
Nick Barnes, puppet designer and Jimmy Grimes, puppet director made these animals come to life, with the skill of the puppeteers who captured minute details of how each animal behaves and moves across the stage, brilliant. With favourites being the Pushmi Pullyu, Dr Dolittle’s dog, the pig and the sea lion. But congratulations to all the animals which were all excellently portrayed.
Vicky Entwhistle was not only the amazing 200 year old voice of Polynesia, she was also one of the puppeteers that flew the parrot around the stage, three of them at some points.
Mark Williams portrayed the slightly bumbling but ever so loveable Dr Dolittle. Showing his contempt for some humans and great affection for all animals.
Adele Anderson, Lady Bellowes/Poison Arrow, had the audience booing as the villain of the piece.
Brian Capron, Albert Blossom, the circus owner looking to make a fast buck, could believe his eyes when first seeing the Pushme Pullyu and Straight Arrow, the explorer wanting to save the rarest of animals on the floating island of Sea Star.
The young romantic leads Mollie Melia-Redgrave, Emma Fairfax and Patrick Sullivan, Mathew Mug, sang beautifully together. Mathew had a skip in his step like a true, cheeky Irish man. Elliot Morris, Tommy Stubbins, conveyed the sense of adventure any young lad would have going on such an adventure with such a crowd of humans and animals.
As we come to the close of the show and finally see the Giant Pink Sea Snail and the legendary Luna Moth, you could hear the audience gasp.
As we celebrate the centenary of the First World War it was also a fitting time to revive the story of the failed human doctor who learnt to talk to the animals, as the story was written by Hugh Lofting in letter form, to his children while in the trenches.
Great songs, great dancing and with the reassurance of a happy ending, I left the theatre ready for bed and a trip to dreamland. With the lesson learnt we should all be kinder to each other and all the animals.