REVIEWED: Doctor Dolittle at The Lowry

Megan Chapman | 16th December 2018

The Cast of Doctor Dolittle The Musical

The highly anticipated Doctor Dolittle the musical has finally arrived at The Lowry this week.

Starring a host of familiar faces and palpable puppets, the show will be in Salford throughout the festive period.

Doctor Dolittle, Played by the extraordinary Mark Williams (Harry Potter, Father Brown), and his companions travel to find the elusive pink sea snail and save the eccentric straight arrow.

One of the greatest parts of this show is undoubtedly the phenomenal sets. Shaped like books, the sets create a magical world where anything is possible. The bright colours and fantastical settings set the tone for the show and bring this mystical world to life.

Obviously, we can’t forget the puppets- they really do steal the show. Once you’ve been sucked into the world of Dolittle it is easy to forget they aren’t alive. Each animal has its own vibrant personality, especially Polynesia the parrot who’s voice by the hilarious Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street, The Bill).

Doctor Dolittle (Mark Williams) and Polynesia (Vicky Entwistle)

Of course, Mark Williams shines as the outlandish Doctor. His passion radiates throughout his performance and it feels as though he really can speak to the animals.

He isn’t the only star out of this first-rate cast though. The wonderful Brian Capron (Coronation Street, Birds of a Feather) plays both Straight Arrow and Albert Blossom. He manages to switch seamlessly between the two opposing characters and is a joy to watch.

The romance of the show, between Emma Fairfax (Mollie Melia-Redgrave– Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Evita) and Matthew Mug (Patrick Sullivan– The Addams Family, Bat out Of Hell), is very sweet. The couple’s onstage chemistry is impressive and Mollie’s voice is incredibly strong- one of the best I’ve heard.

Doctor Dolittle (Mark Williams), Emma Fairfax (Mollie Melia-Redgrave) and Matthew Mug (Patrick Sullivan)

Not only is the musical bursting at the seams with onstage talent, but it also has the offstage talent to back it up.

Double Oscar award-winning Leslie Bricusse‘s music is remarkable. I haven’t stopped singing the songs since!

One of the best songs is, without a doubt, ”You’ve never seen anything Like it!”. The Pushmi-Pullu is a magnificent piece of physical theatre. The puppeteers, Evan James and Ross Meagrow, deserve special recognition for just being able to move the creature, never mind dance in it!

You’ve never seen anything like it- The Cast of Doctor Dolittle The Musical

The writing is superb too, it had the audience captivated the whole way through.

The show truly is fun for the whole family. It’s perfect for any time of the year, especially Christmas time. See it at The Lowry until the 5th of January!