You’ve never seen anything like it - Doctor Dolittle is returning to the stage in Leslie Bricusse’s acclaimed family musical, launching in Bromley this November and co-produced by the Churchill Theatre.

Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, this spectacular new stage show stars Mark Williams (Father Brown, The Fast Show, 101 Dalmatians, The Borrowers, Shakespeare in Love and seven of the Harry Potter film series) as Doctor Dolittle.

Joining his exciting journey are the hilarious Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Les Misérables) as his trusty side-kick Polynesia, with Brian Capron (Coronation Street, Grange Hill, Where The Heart Is) playing both the vivacious Albert Blossom and the mighty Straight Arrow. Fascinating Aïda’s Adèle Anderson is also confirmed to play Lady Bellowes/Poison Arrow.

Each week, Mark Williams will be reporting to News Shopper live from the rehearsal rooms, as this exciting musical adventure is brought to life, featuring stunning visual puppetry and all your favourite songs and fun for all the family.

News Shopper:

WEEK 1

Hello Bromley. This is my first time in Bromley and my first time in a musical, so it’s been an exciting week let me tell you.

Rehearsing is a strange business. You all gather in as big a room as possible, and the stage is marked out on the floor with coloured tape. Then you work out where to come on the stage, what you’re going to do when you’re on the stage and how to get off. Then you have to remember that, and the words, and the songs. Simple.

What we also have in this production of Dr Dolittle is puppets. Real animals aren’t great actors, but we’ve got animals that can sing, dance and talk. The stage is alive with the Animal Kingdom. Dog, rabbit, seal, pig, parrot, pushmi-Pullyu; choose your favourite. We’ve even got an iguana. And a couple of dramatic surprises.

We’re rehearsing in the theatre right in the centre of Bromley. It’s like mini West End. What shops haven’t you got? But you haven’t lost the older businesses which is a sign of a healthy high street. I had a cup of tea in the old-school Olive Tree Cafe. Proper cuppa in a proper cafe and very friendly.

My week finished on a high note. I popped in at the stage door to get a parking voucher and one of the Stage Door Keepers (actors have to have Keepers) said: "Are you Jason Donovan?” I took that as a compliment, but I don’t think Jason would be too keen on the comparison.

Speak to you again next week.

News Shopper:

EXCLUSIVE NEWS SHOPPER READER OFFER - £30 tickets*

To celebrate the show launching in Bromley, News Shopper is pleased to be able to offer our readers an exclusive offer to see the show.

Quote NEWSSHOPPER30 when booking your tickets online, over the phone or in person at the box office.

Friday, November 9 – Saturday, November 24

www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

Box office 020 3285 6000

*Offer subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in conjunction with any other offer or concession.