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BrumHour saw Mrs Doubtfire at the invite of Birmingham Hippodrome.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, Gabriel Vick spoke about his role in this touring production which opens in Birmingham. Listen below:
By Dave Massey
Mrs Doubtfire at Birmingham Hippodrome: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A huge family hit!
Directed by Jerry Zaks Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick, Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell
Daniel (Gabriel Vick) and Miranda Hillard (Kara Lily Hayworth) have divorced, and a judge has said that Daniel can only see their three children for visits. He soon discovers that Miranda needs an afternoon babysitter/nanny for the children and sets about becoming the perfect nanny.
Based on the Robin Williams-led film from the 90s, which in turn is based on an Anne Fine novel, this production manages to pay tribute to the film and include some very new moments, leading to some real crowd-pleasing situations. My favourite being a larger than life Youtube/Tik Tok-style “How-to” dance number.
The dialogue from the film forms the basis for plenty of the songs and pushes the narrative along without forcing it too fast. This is a two-hour and thirty-minute production (including a twenty-minute interval), and it flew by.
On stage, it could just feel like an updated Mary Poppins, but Gabriel Vick’s skilled impressions and accent switches throughout help mark its own vibe. Aaliya Mai gets plenty of lovely moments to shine as eldest daughter Lydia. Ryan Pidgen and Jairus McClanahan form a great double act as Daniel’s brother Frank and partner Andre.
The set changes are swift and switch from TV studio to the Hillard home to Daniel’s unfurnished place even during scenes. There are so many costume and hair changes throughout, and some are right on stage in front of the audience. The audience loved this production, and it really added to the existing story, and there were even some local references to Birmingham.
A huge family hit! Mrs Doubtfire is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 19th September 2026. Book tickets here: birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/mrs-doubtfire-the-musical.
