Mrs Doubtfire – Shaftesbury Theatre, London

“Mrs Doubtfire: The New Comedy Musical” is a delightful theatrical experience that goes beyond the realm of a musical and embraces its identity in a new genre of musical. This is not just a musical with a few one liners, this is a comedy musical! From the very beginning, the production establishes its humorous tone with a clever announcement urging the audience to turn off their phones. This comedic thread persists throughout the opening scene by Gabriel Vick’s exceptional portrayal of Daniel Hillard, which showcases his talent for spot-on impressions. Among his repertoire, his rendition of Kermit the Frog stands out, along with his hilarious interpretations of members of the Royal Family and other celebrities.

An intriguing aspect of this adaptation is the incorporation of an unexpected abundance of quintessentially British jokes, considering the source material’s American origins. The book, skillfully penned by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, seamlessly weaves these jokes into the fabric of the story, adding an extra layer of humour that resonates with the audience.

However, “Mrs Doubtfire” is not solely about comedy; at its core, it is a heartfelt tale of a father’s unwavering fight for custody and visitation rights to maintain a bond with his children. The emotional weight of the narrative is powerfully conveyed through various poignant moments, particularly when delivered by the young cast members. Angelica-Pearl Scott, portraying the youngest daughter Natalie, exhibits impeccable timing and delivery, leaving spectators astonished as she fearlessly takes on challenging musical numbers like “What the Hell” without compromising on her youthfulness.

Equally notable is Carla Dixon-Hernandez’s portrayal of the eldest daughter, a strikingly convincing teenager with a voice reminiscent of a young Miley Cyrus. Dixon-Hernandez’s exceptional talent hints at a promising future in the performing arts. It is worth keeping a close eye on her rising career in the future, though maybe not too distant as it is worth mentioning that she skilfully played down her age to bring authenticity to her role.

The comedic duo of Cameron Blakely and Marcus Collins steals the show, eliciting uproarious laughter from the audience. Their performance in the standout number “Make Me a Woman” showcases their impeccable comic timing and chemistry, leaving an indelible impression.

Undoubtedly, “Mrs Doubtfire” is a production that demands immense effort and skill in terms of costumes, wigs, and prosthetic changes to bring the iconic character to life. I must congratulate all involved, not only Gabriel. The entire creative team and cast should be commended for their meticulous attention to detail.

While wearing the full Mrs Doubtfire mask potentially inhibits facial expressions, Frankie Treadaway, portraying the middle child, cleverly addresses this by humorously saying Mrs Doubtfire looks like Shrek. This self-aware jest enhances the hilarity and highlights the creative elements in the production.

Each member of the cast and creative team deserves recognition for their contributions to this exceptional production. “Mrs Doubtfire: The New Comedy Musical” offers a heart-warming and uplifting experience that delivers a clear and loving message—an addition that the West End undeniably benefits from.

This show was reviewed on the 18th June 2023.  Mrs Doubtfire runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London until January 2024.  Tickets available here: MRS. DOUBTFIRE | The New Comedy Musical in the West End (mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk)

***** stars

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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Review – Mrs Doubtfire – Shaftesbury Theatre, London – Box Office Radio