Doctor Dolittle returns to the stage in Leslie Bricusse’s acclaimed family musical, launching in Bromley this November and co-produced by the Churchill Theatre.

Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place.

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 him are 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 Albert Blossom and Straight Arrow. Fascinating Aïda’s Adèle Anderson plays Lady Bellowes/Poison Arrow.

Each week, Mark Williams reports to News Shopper direct from the rehearsal rooms, as the musical comes together and the complex production takes shape ahead of showtime in just a few weeks' time.

WEEK 2

Hello again.

May I introduce you to Doctor Dolittle’s dog? His name is Jip. I first met Jip a few months ago when he was being made in a workshop in Brighton. Since then he has developed a very strong personality. Like all dogs, he’s boisterous, inquisitive and energetic.

The puppets are a big part of Doctor Dolittle and their ringleader is Polynesia the parrot. Vicky Entwistle is a brilliant Polynesia. We are turning the relationship between the Dr. and Poly into a double act, and having great fun doing it.

News Shopper:

We had a visit this week from Leslie Bricusse who wrote the words, music and lyrics for the show. Leslie won his first Oscar in 1967. You will all know dozens of Leslie Bricusse songs. Who wrote My Old Man’s A Dustman? The Oompa Loompa song? If I Ruled The World? This man is a real legend, and we were nervous showing him what we’ve done so far. He loved it.

A great start to our second week of rehearsals. We’ve all been fitted for costumes, all the songs have been staged, the dancing looks terrific, and I’m off to see the set being built. It’s all getting very exciting.

More next week,

Mark

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.