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Everything you need to know about… Mrs Doubtfire
The inside scoop on the new West End musical adaptation of the beloved 90s comedy film
Examine it too closely and it’s definitely grounds for a restraining order, but Daniel Hillard’s well-intentioned game of dress-up has enchanted viewers for 30 years. It’s little wonder, then, that Mrs Doubtfire has become the latest in a series of film favourites given the musical theatre treatment. Nostalgic hits such as Back To The Future The Musical, Pretty Woman: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical have been slowly taking over the West End in recent years, and now Mrs Doubtfire is here to get a piece of the action.
Beginning life in Seattle, the Mrs Doubtfire musical quickly graduated to Broadway, where it picked up a Tony nod and plenty of audience appreciation. This May, Mrs Doubtfire will find its way to London and we’ll all get the opportunity to see the story of the Hillard family play out onstage. Here’s everything you need to know before you book your Mrs Doubtfire tickets.
Who’s involved in Mrs Doubtfire?
The brand new musical comedy sees brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick reunited with John O’Farrell to produce the music, book and lyrics after the trio scored a Broadway hit with Something Rotten!. Grammy award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick has written for Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks and Little Big Town, whilst his collaborator and brother Karey is the screenwriter of James And The Giant Peach, Chicken Run and Over The Hedge. Book writer O’Farrell is an award-winning author and comedy writer whose credits include Have I Got News For You and Spitting Image.
Direction comes from four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks, whose Broadway credits include Guys And Dolls, Little Shop Of Horrors and Sister Act, who will be joined by Waitress choreographer Lorin Latarro. They lead a huge creative team, each with their own impressive credits – honestly, the list could go on a while.
Whilst we don’t have a complete cast yet – no word yet on who will be splitting the roles of the two younger Hillard children – most of the performers have been announced. Gabriel Vick leads an talented ensemble in the lead role of Daniel Hillard, his credits including Avenue Q, Cabaret, and La Cage Aux Folles. Meanwhile, Annie and Matilda The Musical alum Carla Dixon-Hernandez will pay his oldest daughter, Lydia.
What is Mrs Doubtfire about?
When out-of-work actor Daniel loses custody of his kids in his divorce, his radical plan to stay close to them involves the role of a lifetime: Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire. Armed with a comprehensive disguise and a thick accent, he’s ready to take over the childcare duties in a whole new way. However, Mrs Doubtfire has a life of her own, and Daniel ends up learning parenting lessons he never bargained for.
Mrs Doubtfire (The Musical) is based on the 1993 Chris Columbus film of the same name. The film stars the late Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard in one of his fan-favourite roles, supported by Sally Field as his ex-wife, Miranda Hillard. The film also debuted Mara Wilson, one of the most successful child stars of the 90s who went on to starring roles in Matilda and Miracle On 34th Street.
Where can I see Mrs Doubtfire?
After a Broadway debut in 2021 and a hugely successful run in Manchester last year, Mrs Doubtfire is now headed for the West End. It will make its London debut at Shaftesbury Theatre, the current home of & Juliet.
When can I see Mrs Doubtfire in London?
Mrs Doubtfire is taking bookings from 12 May 2023 and will currently run until 13 January 2024.
Why should I see Mrs Doubtfire?
The trio of creatives behind this one are an electric combination, and this will be the first opportunity to see their work on this side of the pond. Mrs Doubtfire is also the latest in a series of successful nostalgia-fueled adaptations that tap the magic of the best comedy movies you grew up with – catch this family-friendly option before the slightly more risqué Beetlejuice The Musical proves the rumours right by coming to the West End in the near future.
Mrs Doubtfire is now booking from 12 May 2023 until 14 January 2024, with tickets available here.
