She's the Nanny with something extra. Yes, the loveable Scottish home help is back having captivated Broadway, and is now in Manchester with a London transfer expected to be announced soon. It is always encouraging to see a full house, and Mrs. Doubtfire has been packing them in at the Opera House for its month long engagement. Based of course on the 1993 movie which gave the late Robin Williams one of his most memorable screen roles.
For those that are unaware, the plot revolves around failed actor and house-husband Daniel Hillard, whose unpredictable behaviour results in his wife Miranda divorcing him. With the Court refusing to give him visiting rights until he proves he can hold down a stable job and provide for his three children, he invents an alter ego who applies for the role of nanny in order to see his kids. An elderly Scottish lady by the name of Mrs. Doubtfire.
The much loved movie has been adapted for the stage by John O'Farrell with music and lyrics by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, whose Shakespeare musical Something Rotten! is slated to arrive in the UK soon. Together they have managed to pluck out some of the best material from the movie and wrap it with a whole load of musical theatre sparkle to produce the feel good show of the season.
Central to the show is of course the playing of Daniel / Doubtfire. This show is blessed with a tour de force performance by Gabriel Vick, whose comedic skills are the very centre of the show. With fantasy and reality blurring Daniel has to rapidly become Doubtfire and then back again, the quick changes and pace of Vick's performance is wonderful to behold. He has the audience spell bound, his Doubtfire is part homage to Williams original creation and part Vick's own take on the character. He certainly manages to replicate Williams creative energy. But lest this should sound like a one-man show, Vick is supported by Laura Tebbutt as Daniel's long suffering ex-wife and her impassioned solo ballad 'Let Go' is among the evenings musical highlights. On the night I attended Amy Everett played the role of the eldest sibling Lydia, with great verve. Fred Wilcox and Darvey Dean completed the young family as Christopher and Natalie respectively. Further comedy comes from Cameron Blakely as Daniel's gay brother Frank and his husband Andre (Marcus Collins), both add to the wonderful chaotic farce that unfolds as Daniel's subterfuge spirals out of control.
Legendary Broadway director Jerry Zaks has made sure Doubtfire has crossed the Atlantic retaining its quality and pace. The songs are all solid show tunes that have your foot tapping from the Donna Summer-esque 'Make Me A Woman', the frenzied 'You've Been Playing With Fire' (Riverdancing Doubtfires?) and the jaunty finale 'As Long As There Is Love', its an impressive score to add to the high comedy that is the focal point of the evening.
Manchester Opera House has been the first to stage Bat Out Of Hell, & Juliet and Back To The Future, all of which have gone on to thrill the West End and Broadway. Now, they have imported Mrs. Doubtfire from the US and it looks as if they have yet another winner of its hands. The standing ovation was heartfelt as the company took their bows. It is my opinion that Mrs. Doubtfire is here to stay for a while, dearies.
Rob Cope
For further information check out the UK Mrs. Doubtfire website
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Photos from the Broadway Production
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