Wondering what we thought of Mrs Doubtfire in Leeds? Take a peek below…
If you haven’t seen the film, doting dad Daniel disguises himself as eccentric nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate bid to see his children, following the breakdown of his marriage. Comedy ensues, as he increasingly struggles with childcare duties, holding down a job and managing hot flushes, all whilst trying to keep his split personality a secret.
Gabriel Vick as Mrs Doubtfire has some big shoes (heels?) to fill. Williams is inimitable, and Vick is wise to pay homage to Robin but put his own stamp on such a loved role. His energy is palpable; especially given some very quick changes in and out of Mrs D – I can only imagine frocks flying frantically backstage! A few changes even take place in full view, and this reviewer was left out of breath just watching this true theatrical wizardry.
Vick is an absolute star. He has excellent comic timing and is instantly likeable. He plays Daniel Hillard with a real sincerity. A strong singer too, but it is his physical comedy and impressive array of vocal impersonations that prove that this is the role Vick was born to play! He had the audience in the palm of his hand from the opening act. At times it did feel like we were watching The Gabriel Vick show, which is not to diminish the rest of the hard-working and talented cast, but this was definitely Vick’s vehicle to shine. It does make me wonder what affect a cast change would have on the show if the tour is extended.
Long suffering partner and (spoiler alert) soon to be ex-wife Miranda Hillard (Kara Lily Hayworth) has put up for long enough with a husband who makes her feel as though she has another child to take care of. Hayworth plays Miranda with relatable exasperation – balancing being a responsible mother with letting her children have more fun. Hayworth brings an understanding and a softness to the role, and gives us all the emotions in her solo song Let go. Miranda’s attention soon turns to Stuart Dunmire (James Darch). Darch doesn’t have as much stage time as Brosnan had screen time, but he relishes the role, and his exaggerated masculinity perfectly compliments Vick’s turn as Mrs Doubtfire.
The three children in the family are Lydia, (Aliyah Mai), Chris (Charlie Banks) and Natalie (Mila Isaacs). Mai is the only adult actor here, but plays a fifteen-year-old with such believability, that it’s easy to forget she’s older. She brings a raw vulnerability to the role, and her vocals are beautiful, particularly in the duet Just Pretend. Banks and Isaacs both bring bundles of energy and enthusiasm to the younger roles, and perform well alongside Mai.
Ryan Pidgen’s Frank Hillard, Daniel’s brother, and his husband Andre Mayem (Jairus McClanahan) are fabulous in every way. Their performance with Vick in Make me a Woman is a real highlight. Both roles ramp up the camp, and whilst it could become a cartoonish caricature, it works brilliantly in this production. The running joke involving Frank’s tell when he lies is particularly funny, and is used throughout the show to great aplomb.
The hardworking ensemble fizz with energy, and demonstrate tight choreography throughout. A highlight is seeing a stage full of dancing Doubtfires, even if it feels a little like a fever dream. A special mention to Carl Patrick’s Mr Jolly, the confused and out-dated children’s entertainer, who got some of the biggest laughs from the smallest stage-time, and was another firm audience favourite.
The Hillard home is a set that feels warm and cosy, and evocative of family life in suburban San Francisco. David Korins’ scenic design is a feat in itself – with numerous set changes throughout, and clever lighting states from Philip S. Rosenberg that hide some of the setting changes in full view. Some of the more complex scene changes take a long time, and these tended to be covered by extra dancing and silliness in front of the cloth, which at times started to feel a little panto-esque, and slowed the pace. Costumes by Catherine Zuber are top notch, as are the wigs and hair by Sam Cox. Mrs Doubtfire is camp and colourful, and the design shines throughout.
I can’t help wondering if Mrs Doubtfire needed to be turned into a musical. Many of the songs are forgettable, and they don’t really add to what is an excellent story. However, it’s an enjoyable show nonetheless and Make me a Woman – featuring famous females through the ages – is a real toe-tapper, as is I Got My Groove On.
Overall, this is a feelgood show that tugs on the heartstrings of nostalgia but doesn’t quite reach the heights of the 1993 film. Indeed, whether you enjoy Mrs Doubtfire will depend largely on how loyal you are to the source material, and if you can separate it from the movie and from Williams’ iconic performance. All credit though to Gabriel Vick and the rest of the cast (and creatives and crew) for cooking up a treat of a show.
Comparisons aside, it’s a solid night’s entertainment that probably won’t go down in history as one of the great stage musicals, but will leave you smiling – and probably doing your best Scottish nanny impression. All together now…”Helloooooooo!”
Mrs Doubtfire runs at Leeds Grand Theatre until Sunday 29th November. Book at https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/mrs-doubtfire-2026/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
