Mrs Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre

With Mrs Doubtfire closing in April I knew I had to get along and see it or risk missing it and suffering huge FOMO so I finally got myself along to the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Mrs Doubtfire is based on the 1993 film starring Robin Williams of the same name and it tells of Daniel Hilllard, who following his divorce from his wife Miranda, will stop at nothing to see his children, including getting hired as their nanny whilst dressed as an elderly Scottish lady in disguise.

The shows strength is its humour, there are lengthy sketches about Mrs Doubtfire cooking as well as restaurant scene where Daniel and Mrs Doubtfire both have to be which have the audience laughing out loud. Gabriel Vick’s physical comedy and huge energy levels as Mrs Doubtfire are superb and he really leans into the comedy side of the role.

The cast are strong across the board with the aforementioned Vick not only being a brilliant physical comedian but having a way with voices and a real likeability. Charlotte Fleming as Lydia, the Hillard’s eldest daughter also shone in the role, stuck between trying to protect her father but also struggling herself and her bond with her younger siblings came across brilliantly.

There are times where scenes or lines that have been recreated from the film fail to land as well, the reference to Stu looking like James Bond doesn’t even get a snicker in the audience as the gag is gone when he isn’t played by a former James Bond actor. Whilst the show does of course add music to the film plot but despite this it doesn’t feel like putting the show on stage has really given the audience anything more or different from the original film.

The music by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick is however enjoyable and a lot of fun. Make Me A Woman is a catchy up-tempo number and What The Hell is a great showcase for the 3 Hillard children. It is the big ensemble numbers that leave the biggest impression, a line of dancing Doubtfires or a stream of female impersonators – all bonkers but brilliant. Lorin Latarro must be commended for the choreography as the ensemble numbers vary massively in style but each one has an impact and shows of a versatile ensemble performing a variety of dance styles.

The slower numbers such as I Want To Be There and Let Go however fail to move as much as these emotional climatic numbers should do, mainly because the show places its emphasis on comedy and energy rather than emotion. The final revelation of Mrs Doubtfire’s identity lacked any emotional impact from any of the characters. It was only Mrs Doubtfire’s inclusive ending speech about what family really means that had an emotional impact.

Mrs Doubtfire is certainly an entertaining and enjoyable evening at the theatre but one that doesn’t leave me keen to revisit the show. Am I glad I saw it before it closed…..yes. Will I be sad to see it leave the west end…..no.

Mrs Doubtfire is currently playing until April 2025. You can find out more and book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like my review of Matilda, Back to the Future and Moulin Rouge.

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