Doctor Dolittle

The company proudly presented the East Midlands amateur premiere of this rarely performed Leslie Bricusse Musical, and with this production they have certainly come up trumps with an amusing, professionally delivered show.

One of the major difficulties was obtaining the number of puppets required, and Central are fortunate that in their Stage Manager, Chris Margett, they have a renowned puppet builder, who has created all the puppet animals for them.  He also trained cast members in the use of the characters.

Nigel Taylor, as Director, has not disappointed, bringing this easy to watch musical to the stage.  Very colourful, and a slick tempo throughout kept the show ticking with some excellent performances from a very able cast.

In the lead role of Dr Dolittle, Chris Grantham gave a top class performance, with outstanding vocals,and great command of the stage.  A faultless confident display, his delivery of `When I Look In Your Eyes`, a highlight.  Gary Heap as Mathew Mugg, was equally as eye-catching, with a striking Irish accent, maintained faultlessly throughout.  His song `Beautiful Things` was a vocal treat. Also, the duet `Where are the Words?` by the Doctor and Mathew was tremendous.

The love interest came from Sarah Towle, as Emma Fairfax.   Feisty, initially quite quarrelsome, but eventually coming to love Dr Dolittle, she gave a superior performance.  Her song, `At the Crossroads` was top-quality, and strong on vocals, and a stage presence abounding with style.

Other well executed roles came from John Wedgwood, as a bigoted upper-class Judge, General Bellowes.   Adrian Redfern, played the circus owner Albert Blossom with a good rousing delivery of `I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It`.  A confident performance came from James Breen as a local boy Tommy Stubbins, well done to James, and all the best to Ted Osborn who shares the role with him.

Dressed in a spectacular costume, I particularly liked Rex Portillano as Straight Arrow, who’s performance was superb.  His rendering of `Save the Animals` was beautifully sung and a gem.

On to the excellent animal behaviours, Polynesia the Parrot, the main animal character was handled by Lorna Kirkland with great dexterity, a marathon endeavour.   Jip the Dog was expertly handled by Maria Banks, as was Gub-Gub the Pig by Sarah Rosenthal, Chee-Chee the Monkey by Richard Stokes, all coming to life in their hands. We also had a Drake, a Cow, a Horse, a Sheep, a Goat, a Fox, two Seals and a Giant Snail, not forgetting the Giant Moth that brought the Doctor back to England.  If that`s not enough along came the Pushmi Pullyu Llama, with Bridgett Wyatt and Stefan Osvath inside, they even managed to do a lively dance routine.

Great singing and dancing came from the chorus, who also helped with the puppetry.  Guided by Anthony Beaumont-Mills, the choreographer, they gave their all in the many different dance routines.

It was good to have a live orchestra under the baton of Morris Fisher, sadly unseen but nevertheless a wonderful sound. 

The set was designed and built by Chris Margett and John Bolton, clever back projections by Alice and Chris Margett certainly created a terrific backdrop.  With the stage manager being Chis Margett, there was certainly a huge family input to the production.  Sound design was by Harry Greatorex, and Lighting design was by Harry and Stephan Greatorex, both were excellent.

Congratulations to Nigel and all involved in this Production.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.