Stage Reviews  
 
Dr Doolittle at the Bristol Hippodrome  
Forward  

By Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Wednesday night I was off to see "Doctor Dolittle". It was a show I was looking forward to seeing as I was bought up on Tommy Steele films (among others), particular favourites being "The Happiest Millionaire" where he played the Butler John Lawless and spent quite sometime with several pet alligators! "Half A Six Pence", the first film of his that I saw, again and again, "Finians Rainbow" where he played the leprechaun 'Og', the tallest leprechaun I'd ever seen! And "Where's Jack? where he played the loveable rogue Jack Shepherd. I also saw his one man show "What A Show" at the Hippodrome about 14 years ago and he was quite spectacular in that.
 

Unfortunately Tommy had to pull out of tonight's show due to the after effects of dental surgery. I have the greatest sympathy for him because first and foremost he is a true professional and to let his audience down would have been a great disappointment to him. This would not have been a simple trip to the dentist for a good old fashioned toothache. Having had dental surgery in the past myself it is extremely painful and the painkillers are not always that effective. However it did mean that Tommy Steele had to return to London for further assistance. The following statement was issued by Bill Kenwright Ltd:
 
"Tommy performed both last night and today's matinee despite suffering considerable pain following painful dental surgery at the weekend. Unfortunately he is unable to perform this evening but we are hoping he will be well enough to return tomorrow" 
 
All I can say - and I'm sure the rest of Bristol Rocks will join me on this - is to wish Tommy Steele a speedy pain free recovery and that he'll be back on stage soon with that cheeky smile of his.

Doctor Dolittle is spectacular fun for all the family
 
I first saw this musical a few years ago when it starred Phillip Schofield and the voice of Polynesia was actually Julie Andrews, and of course we've all seen the film with Rex Harrison a number of times, so I had a fair idea what to expect.
 
Based in Puddleby-By-The Sea, Doctor Dolittle finds it easier to deal with animals rather than people as you soon find out. The scenery is amazing with quick turn around of scenes and when you see how the harbour is switched to a court room you get to thinking it is all rather clever.
 
The animals are so loveable and fascinating to watch especially when you realise that one or two are played by actors who have got animal mannerisms down pat. I was beginning to wonder if Jip the dog could be kidnapped at one point because he is so funny and can even sail a ship! It makes the show all the more enjoyable. Watch out for the Pushmi-Pullyu and the little dance routine they do, the blind horse who can see again with glasses and Polynesia the parrot who you will either adore or hate because she has great mannerisms, is very intelligent and has learnt over two thousand animal languages in her 100 year life!

And she becomes Doctor Dolittle's teacher so he can talk to the animals. In fact he learns five hundred animal languages by the end of the show and his first guinea pig is his dog Jip. There are several other animals you will love and don't be too surprised if your son or daughter want to take them home with you!
 
Doctor Dolittle is admirably played by David Anthony, I say admirably because Tommy Steele is a hard act to follow. His performance was enthusiastic and heart warming although every now and again I did catch a glimpse of that Tommy Steel imagery with something that was said or done on stage. David Anthony did a performance that he should be extremely proud of.
 
Abigail Jaye plays Emma Fairfax, the love interest of the Doctor, and has the most amazing singing voice. It is crystal clear and how she reaches those high notes, well it's a joy to hear. Tommy Stubbins played by Joanna Forest is full of wonder, energy and innocence, whilst Blossoms Circus is a wonderment of colour and entertainment alone.
 
Doctor Dolittle's ambition is to find the illusive pink sea snail. A rare find indeed and he goes about raising funds for the expedition with the help of his friends. However he ends up in jail due to a major misunderstanding and a bullying magistrate, General Bellowes. Doctor Dolittle is then broken out of his prison cell with the help of his animal friends so he can take up his voyage on HMS Flounder which unfortunately is shipwrecked at sea. Landing on the island he meets up with old friend Straight Arrow and is introduced to the giant pink sea snail called Jean-Claude who is happy to help Doctor Dolittle's friends get back to Puddleby-By-The Sea. It would also give Jean-Claude the chance to visit his 300 year old cousin, the Loch Ness Monster.
 
With the Doctor left on the island with the weird and wonderful animals for company it soon becomes clear he is home sick and missing Emma. Meanwhile his friends are home trying to clear his name so Doctor Dolittle can return to Puddleby-By-The-Sea. The animals even threaten to strike bringing the country to a standstill if General Bellowes doesn't pardon him. But this story has a happy ending as we all know and Doctor Dolittle is soon back where he belongs.
 
One of the final scenes see's Doctor Dolittle dancing with a couple orang-utans on stage with a highly entertaining dance routine and all of the songs performed in the show certainly had my foot tapping and my fingers clicking. Also worth noting is the electronic display boards either side of the stage displaying dialogue and song lyrics for people with a hearing impairment. The first time I have seen this and a welcome addition.
 
Overall, the show I am sure will be a favourite among many. OK I was a little disappointed that Tommy Steele wasn't there and it did lack the polish and panache that he brings but I would not have missed the show for the world. I loved every minute of it. The cast are strong, well rehearsed and very much a team. The loss of the leading man did not phase them and David Anthony made a fine Doctor Dolittle. This is a show for children of all ages wether you are 6 years old or 90 years old and we are all big kids at heart so book your tickets while you still can.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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