Doctor Dolittle at the New Theatre Cardiff Review
Doctor Dolittle
New Theatre, Cardiff
29-31 May 2014
Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy
Well I’ve never seen anything like it in my life… A show stopping amateur production of our oh so loveable friend the Doctor, Doctor Dolittle that is. As a child I grew up watching the fantastic Rex Harrison parade around as the somewhat cantankerous and enviably gifted Doctor in this musical so when I was asked to review it I was excited to see what the stage show and the orbit production team had to offer.
For those who are unaware of the story of Doctor Dolittle it is a story that follows the thrills and adventures of a slightly mad veterinarian on his hunt for the world’s most unusual animal species. With themes of love, friendship and perseverance the show is really uplifting. Its musical numbers known by many had much of the audience toe tapping along or in my case singing much to my husband’s dismay. Urial Walker who plays the Doctor does so well and although putting his own personality into the character he does encompass some of the very similar well known traits displayed by Harrison in the well-loved movie version. Tim Reynolds played Matthew Mugg, a cheeky Irish fellow who’s a real friend to the Doctor. Reynolds was a real talent whose voice really did the musical numbers justice. 10 year old Dylan Mingay who played Tommy Stubbins did an amazing job and I imagine I’ll one day see his name in lights. Hannah Rix who played the defiantly besotted Emma Fairfax did so beautifully. She showed moments of real vulnerability around the Doctor that you couldn’t help but empathise with. The entire cast worked incredibly hard to create a show that had the audience spellbound by the songs and the story. The audience clapped along I even saw a few members swaying in their seats. However like the movie I would suggest this show isn’t for the youngest of viewers as the story is one that does have some complexities that being said children were clearly intrigued and enthralled by the gorgeous animal characters and puppets like Polynesia. I too lost my heart tonight to an adorable little chimp called Chi Chi. He was such a gorgeous little character and was played amazingly by a little person who never broke character and was always a little preoccupied as you imagine a real chimp to be. Whoever played Chi Chi I thought you did a truly awesome job.
I’ve never been lucky enough to see an Orbit theatre production before and to say I was impressed was a real understatement. This was an amateur production that could rival the most professional of productions. Its players, its set, and creative team had clearly all worked hard to create a real spectacular evening’s entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend this family friendly toe tapping show to all.
Fantastic!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £9 to £20.50 (plus £1.75 transaction fee).
Doctor Dolittle is at the New Theatre, Cardiff until 31 May 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN | 029 2087 8889
