By Lucy Connors
Witty, raucous, heartfelt. This musical rendition of Mrs Doubtfire is a high energy, hilarious, masterpiece.
The music itself is catchy and fun, if not entirely ground-breaking, the staging is clever, and the whole play is elevated by the brilliant costuming and management of the character of Mrs Doubtfire herself, whilst the comedy is perfectly executed.
This version of Mrs Doubtfire is undoubtedly feel good, yet at times you might struggle to discern if your tears are from laughing or crying, such is the show's brilliance and depth. It manages to balance between honest reality and far-fetched hilarity.
A Perfect Balance of Comedy and Emotion
The comedic elements are the most well-developed and well played, largely in part to the talent of the cast, with impeccable timing and clever allusions.
Robin Williams was a maestro of the acting world, so undertaking one of his roles is a brave and ambitious venture by Gabriel Vick, but he stuns in the lead role.
A Standout Lead Performance
The range and versatility as he moves between physical comedy, vocal impersonations, puppetry, and deep emotion, is outstanding. From the moment Vick appears between the curtains to perform the pre-show announcement, it is his; he stole the show.
The quick and often on-stage costume changes between Mr Hillard and Mrs Doubtfire situate the production in an uncanny valley, with latex enveloping the character we had come to know, but the transition occurring so instantly and in plain view feels like letting the audience in on a secret.
As Vick oscillates between the two leading personas of Hillard and Doubtfire, it is difficult to recall the man underneath the mask - so full are his characterisations.
Supporting Cast and Emotional Depth
Vick is not the only star though, as Laura Ebbut creates a much more three-dimensional personality for Miranda than the character has previously been afforded, most spectacularly highlighted in the ballad Let Go of Act II.
She is still the anti-hero, with her desire for perfection and her personality is only glimpsed at rather than portrayed wholly, but the glimpses are particularly enjoyable.
The Hillard Children act out their rivalries and inequalities, to create a candid sibling dynamic with ease and intelligence. In particular, the character Lydia shines with her punky and powerful attitude in What the Hell.
The children also help with the emotional depth of the performance overall, emphasising how much they are struggling, an undercurrent that is balanced against the hilarity of Daniel’s transformation into Doubtfire.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on Mrs Doubtfire
The show's ending with acceptance of the difficulty of family and the differences in its presentations, is warm and beautifully done. The whole show is nostalgic without being dated, and sweet without being saccharine.
Many lines are balanced upon, but it is done so with skill and tact to bring together a wonderful musical which showcases many talented performers, their technical slickness elevating the often farcical comedic elements.
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