Mrs Doubtfire the Musical, now on its first UK tour at Birmingham Hippodrome, is bold, brilliant and full of heart, and would make Robin Williams proud, according to a review by Dayna Farrington, Senior Affiliates Multimedia Writer for Brum Daily.
Walking into Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday evening, Farrington admitted she wasn't sure what to expect from the musical based on the beloved 1993 film which first made her fall in love with Williams' comic genius. But she left grinning from ear-to-ear and desperate to see it again.
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical has been a hit on the West End for some years, and Birmingham Hippodrome is the first theatre to host Euphegenia Doubtfire on the UK tour.
A Tale of a Desperate Father
The musical tells the story of out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard who will do anything to spend time with his three children - Lydia, Christopher and Natalie. After losing his kids in a messy divorce from wife Miranda, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives.
Daniel, and Mrs Doubtfire, are played brilliantly by Gabriel Vick. Farrington thought no one could play Mrs Doubtfire like Robin Williams, but she was mistaken. Vick brings new heart to the role and is absolutely hilarious - she can't see anyone else playing the role on stage now.
Vick switches back and forth between the two roles multiple times over the course of the two and a half hour show, especially the rapid changes near the conclusion. The title character's look and voice have been replicated close to the film.
Costumes, Make-Up and Young Stars
The costume and make-up is quite literally fantastic, and Vick is mesmerising to watch, with accents and voices certainly impressive. Farrington noted he deserves every standing ovation and more.
Farrington also gave a shoutout to the children. Lydia, played by Aaliya Mai, is a real star in the making with beautiful vocals. The roles of the younger children are shared by four actors each during the production, but on the night reviewed, Christopher was played by Alexander Beaumont and Natalie by Hattie Leddington Wright, and they were an absolute joy to watch.
Highlights and Heart
Highlights include an up-tempo disco number in which Daniel's brother Frank - played amazingly by Ryan Pidgen - and his husband Andre - played by Jairus McClanahan - first turn Daniel into Mrs Doubtfire. Farrington laughed with tears at a scene where Daniel tries to learn how to cook a 'nutritious meal' from a YouTube video, which turns into a tap-dancing chef frenzy.
Not to mention the famous 'Helllooooooo' with meringue all over his face. There were so many moments and her face hurt from laughing so much.
But take away the make-up, wigs and body padding, there's a lot of heart in the story and it's a real tale of growing up. It brought up a range of emotions, so maybe pack a tissue or two.
Mrs Doubtfire the Musical runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday, September 19, and tickets are on sale now.
