Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE, Birmingham Hippodrome - Tour
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Possibly the world’s favourite nanny - although Mary Poppins may have something to say about that - Mrs. Doubtfire has begun its first UK and Ireland tour at Birmingham Hippodrome and, boy, has she arrived!
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Mrs. Doubtfire is based on the much-loved 1993 film starring Robin Williams and Sally Field. Following a difficult divorce, devoted father Daniel Hillard disguises himself as Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire to remain close to his children. As he attempts to juggle two identities, his increasingly elaborate deception leads to comic chaos and forces Daniel to reconsider what it truly means to be a family.
The musical received its world premiere in Seattle in 2019 before opening on Broadway in 2021. It crossed the Atlantic the following year for its UK premiere in Manchester, ahead of transferring to the West End in 2023. The British reception has perhaps been warmer than that afforded to some of its earlier American iterations and judging by the response from the Birmingham audience last night, this tour is going to do extremely well.
Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell’s book remains loyal to its source material, with snippets of familiar dialogue lifted directly from the film, but with new modern references such Wi-Fi, mobile phones and even The Traitors bringing the story firmly into the present day. Despite the US setting, a few British-isms occasionally creep in. They could feel jarring, but instead earn some of the evening’s biggest laughs.
Karey Kirkpatrick also provides the music and lyrics alongside Wayne Kirkpatrick, with a score that moves confidently between musical genres and is packed with witty wordplay. There are several genuine earworms that will follow you out of the theatre. Gareth Owen’s sound design also deserves huge praise: the balance is excellent, every lyric can be heard clearly and the loop machine sequence during ‘It’s About Time’ is particularly thrilling.
As in the film, the musical is set in San Francisco, something reflected throughout David Korins’ set design. However, the Hillard family home forms the production’s striking centrepiece - an appropriate choice for a story that is ultimately about where, and with whom, the heart belongs. Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting brings the various locations vividly to life.
Director Jerry Zaks approaches the material with care and affection. The comedy is given plenty of room to shine, but the emotion at the heart of the story is never forgotten, allowing its softer and quieter moments to land just as effectively. The pace is perfectly judged and the production is engrossing from beginning to end, driven by the cast’s seemingly endless energy.
Catherine Zuber’s costumes, Sam Cox’s hair and wig design and Craig Forrest-Thomas’ make-up design are all crucial in making Mrs Doubtfire instantly recognisable, while remaining practical enough to accommodate the production’s astonishing quick changes - many of which happen on stage and in full view of the audience.
Gabriel Vick makes every aspect of this hugely demanding role appear effortless, proving Stuart Burt’s casting to be nothing short of inspired. The late, great Robin Williams cannot - and should not - be imitated, and Vick wisely finds his own rhythm. He is quite simply hilarious, sustaining an extraordinary level of energy while intelligently navigating the emotional journey of a father desperate to remain part of his children’s lives.
Having played the role since the Manchester production, Vick inhabits Mrs Doubtfire so completely that it is now almost impossible to imagine anyone else in the part. His comic timing, physicality, vocals and warmth are all exceptional. Sheer perfection.
Kara Lily Hayworth is wonderful as Miranda, with her rendition of ‘Let Go’ providing one of the evening’s standout moments. Aaliya Mai shines as eldest daughter Lydia, performing with a maturity and confidence that belie her relatively modest professional CV. She is undoubtedly a talent we will be watching with great interest.
‘What the Hell’ is another terrific number, performed brilliantly by Mai alongside Joshua Miles and Hattie Leddington Wright as Christopher and Natalie at this performance. Ryan Pidgen and Jairus McClanahan bring further quick-witted comedy as Daniel’s brother Frank and his husband Andre. Beneath their gloriously larger-than-life personalities, however, lies a touching yearning to have a child of their own.
James Darch may have slightly less to work with as Stuart Dunmire than Pierce Brosnan did in the film, but he is certainly easy on the eye and throws himself into the hilarity of ‘Big Fat No’.
There truly is no better night out. If you want a show that can make you belly laugh one minute and bring you to tears the next, Mrs. Doubtfire takes you on that journey with ease.
Help may be on the way, dear, but this production needs no assistance.
Comedy gold with a huge heart - an irresistible five-star triumph.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
