From seals to a giraffe and delightful moths, let a talented cast whisk you away to the charming world of Doctor Dolittle. It is the first time the musical, based on the stories by Hugh Lofting and the 1967 film, has been staged in Bolton – either by amateurs or professionals – and Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society does a delightful job.
It tells the story of a doctor who shuns human patients in favour of talking to the animals, setting off on a voyage to find the Great Pink Sea Snail and meeting several challenges along the way. The costumes, particularly those of the animals, are fantastic and help to set the scene while making you smile throughout the colourful production.
Tristan Barraclough impresses in the lead role of Doctor Dolittle and is entertaining, particularly when talking to the animals and performing many of the songs solo including The Vegetarian and Like Animals. David Wilson, as Matthew Mugg, and Vicki Wilson, as Emma Fairfax, also display impressive vocals as the doctor’s Irish pal and love interest. Another highlight is the song, I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It, featuring Mike Donahue as Albert Blossom, Eileen Reeves as Gertie Blossom, Tristan as the doctor and the rest of the company. Laura Hassall moves gracefully as Polynesia the parrot, resplendent in her colourful costume, and James Tibbitts, as Tommy Stubbins is another talented young member of the cast.
Director Nora Howcroft has done a splendid job in bringing the musical to life, while the music is overseen by musical director Mike Pinder and the wardrobe co-ordinated by Mary Pycroft and Julie Kirby. Crawl, trot, gallop or fly along to this enchanting production before Saturday.
