Doctor Dolittle is back on stage in Leslie Bricusse’s family musical, launching in Bromley next week and being co-produced by the Churchill Theatre.

Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, this spectacular new show stars Mark Williams (The Fast Show, 101 Dalmatians, The Borrowers and seven of the Harry Potter film series) as the doctor.

His co-stars include Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street, Ackley Bridge, Les Misérables) as trusty side-kick Polynesia and Brian Capron (Coronation Street, Grange Hill, Where The Heart Is) as both Albert Blossom and Straight Arrow.

Each week, Mark Williams is reporting to News Shopper direct from the rehearsal rooms as the production takes shape ahead of showtime in less than a fortnight.

WEEK 4

Hello again.

Opening night is only two weeks away, it's getting exciting. Working on a big show like this with dancers, actors, singers and puppeteers, there is so much happening every day and every day performances get better.

We sang a song on ITV, This Morning last week. The puppets were brilliant and lots of people sent pictures in of their pets watching. So maybe Doctor Dolittle really can talk to the animals.

We’ve gained some new characters this week. This is Vicky Entwistle with a bear.

As you can see, he’s a big lad so we have to mind his claws. Femi, his handler, is getting very good at growling.

The noise level from the animals is building. Gub Gub the pig has a lot to say and Chee Chee the chimp is getting a bit boisterous but Polynesia has the most to say for herself. She can’t half squawk. Probably because she comes from Lancashire.

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.