“Absolutely fabulous, dear!”
Hellllooooo Dears! When I heard Mrs Doubtfire was coming to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage, I was SO happy. I was 9 when it first came out and it was the year my own mum and dad decided to divorce. I’d laugh my head off at the film, whilst also feeling that I wasn’t the only one who had divorced parents. I could relate (kind of) to how it felt having my family change. Back in 1993 it wasn’t common for parents to divorce – at least it felt that way then. Or were people just more private? I’m not sure. So it was a good film for sharing a lot of really important lessons, with a good amount of giggles along the way. And I am happy to say that the musical continues that. I laughed a lot and also felt empathy with some of the songs and messages. My sister said a few people around where she sat, were crying during the more emotional numbers.
For those who might not know the traditional story (along with a few stage adaptations). Mrs Doubtfire follows the story of Daniel (Gabriel Vick). A voice actor and Dad who devotes his life to his three children (Lydia, Chris and Natalie) but along the way, forgets that his wife Miranda needs him too. Miranda decides to ask for a divorce and as Daniel has recently lost his job as a voice coach, the Judge grants sole custody to Miranda with one visit a week for Daniel much to his dismay. Miranda (Kara Lily Hayworth) is launching her new fashion label ‘MBody’ alongside Stuart Dunmire (James Darch) or STUUUUU as we most often hear him referred to as. And with work commitments picking up, Miranda decides to advertise for a Nanny. Cue, voice actor Daniel, donning a disguise (thanks to his fabulous brother and brother-in-law) and putting on the voice of an elderly Scottish lady – Mrs Doubtfire.
It is such a fun show. All of the cast are fantastic. Gabriel Vick manages to step into the shoes of Robin Williams perfectly (which is no small feat). I was particularly impressed with his ability to act the manic energy of Daniel in the film, with precise impressions – even the way he walks, and oh my gosh, those quick costume changes live on stage are superb! You felt like it was the real Mrs Doubtfire on the stage.
My two personal favourite characters though were Frank Hillard (Ryan Pidgen) and Andre Mayem (Jairus McClanahan) who had me and my eldest daughter laughing loads with their loud, funny lines. Frank shouts every time he tells a lie and his husband Andre keeps putting his foot in things. They’re a really cute couple and their musical number ‘Make Me a Woman’ in Act One with Daniel and the rest of the ensemble was great.
There’s really clever pieces within the show, like a loop-pedal beatboxing scene (you’ve got to see it to appreciate it), a tap-dancing internet cooking tutorial (someone even shoots out of a fridge), and a frantic flamenco number in a restaurant with a hilarious song – ‘He Lied To Me’. These moments kept audiences laughing over and over again.
The show is filled with a mass of talent and quite frankly definitely deserves the full five stars that I am awarding it.
Book tickets. You don’t want to miss it.
On until 19th September 2026 at Birmingham Hippodrome. Tickets available from £28. Book here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/mrs-doubtfire-the-musical/
And don’t forget to pop to the souvenir stand – we went home with some puppet socks.
Disclaimer: I attended the press night performance of Mrs Doubtfire. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.