Get Out More........................................Theatre Review

DR DOOLITTLE (Birmingham Hippodrome, until May 17)

09-05-2008

Tommy Steele stars in the stage adaptation of this famous movie. Terry Wills hears him talk to the amazing, lifelike animals.

When Producer Bill Kenwright took the decision to transfer the film musical ‘Doctor Dolittle’ to the stage he obviously realised it would take something special to recreate not only the technical wizardry to replicate the characteristics of the animals, but equally difficult to cast an artiste to challenge the inspirational title role performance of the brilliant Rex Harrison.

He succeeded on both counts. So here we see Tommy Steele, the most successful artiste in the history of the London Palladium, treading the boards of the Birmingham Hippodrome to enchant family audiences as only a seasoned and much loved actor can.

The story needs little introduction. The good Doctor lives and practices his veterinary skills in the seaside town of Puddleby-By-The-Sea. One day he’s amazed to discover he has the ability to talk to his pet parrot ‘Polynesia’, subsequently deciding to learn the magical art of communicating with all and every known species on earth!

His faithful friend, old sheepdog ‘ Jip’ never leaves his side but after falling foul of the town’s General Bellows by prescribing Jip’s medicine to treat the General’s gout (!) the die is cast. To cut a long story short Dolittle is forced to leave Puddleby, after being declared insane by the General, but with the aid of his animal friends he escapes to begin his search for the Great Pink Sea Snail.

Naturally after a series of confrontations and adventures it’s mission accomplished.

He returns home, clears his name and everyone - and every animal - rejoices.

Dr Dolittle IS a genuine family entertainment show. How could it be anything other considering it boasts lavish spectacular sets, an energetic cast and puppets that leaves one realising just how far advanced is the art compared with the days of Keith Harris and Orville.

One early scene is amazing. The Doctors surgery is filled with animals so true to life they take the spotlight off Tommy Steele’s performance. Foxes, ducks, seals, pigs, badgers all capable of ‘talking’ to the Doctor much to the disbelief of his detractors.

(And look out for ‘Toggle’ the Horse as he’s fitted with a huge pair of glasses to rectify his short sighted problem)

The principal hit songs are ‘Talk to the Animals’ and ‘I’ve never seen anything like It’. And how appropriate is that when the two headed, dancing, llama, Pushmi-Pullyu’ takes to the stage?

Apart from the unflappable Tommy Steele there are splendid performances from a cast including Abigail Jaye, the love interest in the Doctor’s life that’s reciprocated, but reluctantly not acknowledged, until the final scene.

Add Connor Michael-Sheridan, Joanna Forest and Halcro Johnston - a splendid over the top performance as the General - plus an ensemble that display boundless energy and enthusiasm befitting a family show, it all adds up to a splendid night’s entertainment.

But I have to make special mention of the Puppet consultants, designers and operators. Jip the dog is amazing. And as someone who for many years had an Old English Sheepdog, the characterisation by James Deverell rekindled many happy memories!

But inevitably it’s the seemingly ‘ageless’ Tommy Steele who received the deserved prolonged applause at the final curtain. The star of ‘Half a Sixpence’ ‘Hans Christian Andersen’ ‘Singin in the Rain’ and the record breaking ‘Scrooge’ can now add ‘Doctor Dolittle’ to his ever growing impressive portfolio.

Birmingham’s reputation for presenting hit theatrical shows is growing at a very impressive rate and this latest offering most certainly has to be up there with the best of the rest.