Doctor Doolittle

It is difficult to think of another musical that is quite so ridiculous and is not called ‘panto’. That aside whether you like it or loath it you would expect to get packed houses with kids and inquisitive animal-loving adults like me, but from the feedback from front of house that didn't appear to be the case for Selkirk. Putting aside the popularity of the show itself, the company were all fully engaged in this eccentric, outlandish and comedic entertainment. It is quite maddening to see companies put so much effort and money into doing something different for our audiences, to not be better supported. Such a shame. This was a slick and engaging production. Good direction, colourful sets and an excellent band were to be commended in helping make the show an overall success. A large chorus, very capable dance group/circus performers and an enthusiastic band of children/animals supported throughout. The real highlights were the individual, duo and quartet performances that shone with great dynamism and character. The role of Dr Doolittle was well cast and is certainly not a role that has ‘little to do’. A  good portrayal of the character, taking stage with so many cute characters (furry and otherwise), and he coped well with the comic-timing, and many musical numbers. Emma was acted superbly, capturing the fire and passion of the character to make the role believably sincere. A thoroughly engaging performance with singing ability to match.  Doolittle's  larger than life Irish friend, Matthew, was superbly cast. Comfortably a great song and dance man, ably standing out in any scene.  A new fresh face cast as Tomasina, was certainly an inspiration and evidently talented new blood for future productions.  The opening to finale constant character was feathered friend Polynesia, who kept a reliable and balanced eye on all the action. The family ‘Blossoms’, blossomed in the action packed, mammoth circus scene featuring ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’, only to be topped by another highlight, the fantastic island scene featuring the inimitable Straight Arrow and the Popsipetel natives, in ’Save the Animals’.  There were other songs worth highlighting which, although I’d never heard them before, were really well performed. ‘At the Crossroads’- Emma. ‘Beautiful Things’ and ‘I love You’ - Matthew and Emma. ‘You’re Impossible’- Doolittle and Emma. ‘Fabulous Places’ - Quartet. ‘Where are the Words?’ - Doolittle and Matthew. And well done Emma and ensemble for a rousing Voice of Protest. A sumptuous production in many ways which deserved much larger audiences. Congratulations to Agnes Mitchell on receiving her 60 year award from NODA.

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