Leeds theatre-goers were treated to a spectacular musical production based on the film of the same name, starring the late Robin Williams. Director, Jerry Zaks, Choreographer, Lorin Latarro, Costume Designer, Catherine Zuber and the rest of the Production and Creative Team all contributed to make this show an outstanding success.
The starring role in this exceptional production is delivered by Gabriel Vick who portrayed Daniel Hillard/a superb Mrs Doubtfire, the Scottish children’s nanny, (full title, Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire), although the first sight of him in the prosthetic mask is a little daunting.
With a weighty script Vick was in almost every scene during the two and a half hour show; he was challenged with portraying mimicry, impressions, slapstick comedy, a duel personality, speedy costume changes, puppetry and a Scottish accent as well as singing and dancing. He did it all perfectly as well as engaging with the audience who he had in the palm of his hands. He is an exceptional talent and a very likeable, charming actor who the audience took to from the start of the show.
It would be unfair to pinpoint anyone from the supporting cast and ensemble as they were all faultless but the three Hillard children are to be commended for their confident acting contributions and singing as well as comedy duo, Ryan Pidgen (Frank Hillard) and Jairus McClanahan (Andre Mayem) who were a joy and hugely entertaining.
With previous runs on Broadway and in London’s West End, before launching into UK regional touring productions, this show is a fast-paced production which faithfully mirrors the popular 1993 film with crowd-pleasing humour in the form of modern-day quips and clever nods to the film's most iconic lines. It is a feel-good family comedy with high-energy. It has a fairly average musical score by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick but two songs I personally enjoyed were those Vick sang accompanied with puppets, Mouse and Ratty.
Vick has the main stage presence throughout and carries the show with perfect physical comedy, warmth, an excellent vocal range and quick-change costume routines, all without trying to be an exact carbon copy of the film’s popular leading man, Robin Williams. Physical comedy can be difficult to pull off especially in a live show but Vick accomplishes it perfectly with smooth transitions making it look simple and second nature.
Tackling a heavy storyline about divorce and separation, the production is filled with tenderness and compassion around the sensitive theme and beneath the comic narrative it retains the genuine touching heart of a father trying to stay close to the children he loves whilst battling the gruelling situation of divorce as his ex-wife moves on with a new partner. The underlying message for audiences to take away from the show was emphasised by Vick towards the finale when he proclaimed that love is the answer to everything.
Speedy on-stage costume changes (designed by Catherine Zuber and David Brain Brown) and high energy ensemble choreography make the two-and-a-half-hour runtime fly by.
The production scores highly due to rapid-fire jokes, adept physical comedy, fast-paced costume changes and entertaining production numbers such as ‘Make Me a Woman’ and ‘Big Fat No’ which although are not particularly memorable, are entertaining musical interludes, but fall short at being comparable to the more popular longstanding Broadway/West End unforgettable musical scores.
The stage sets make use of moveable props and furniture interspersed with picturesque depictions on backdrops along with flashing lights, smoke and some loud noises.
Do try to catch this show if you can, you’ll not be disappointed, it is musical theatre at its best. If you are looking for an amusing, feel-good, laugh-out-loud night out at the theatre especially with family or friends who loved the film, it makes for a very enjoyable evening and a very entertaining experience. Chatting with audience members after the show, all agreed it was even better than the film!
The show runs until 29th November 2026 and is recommended for ages 7+ with parental guidance.
Cast
Gabriel Vick – Daniel Hillard
Kara Lily Hayworth – Miranda
Hillard
Aaliya Mai – Lydia Hillard
Ryan Pidgen – Frank Hillard
Jairus McClanahan – Andre Mayem
James Darch – Stuart Dunmire
Samuelle Durojaiye – Wanda
Sellner
Carl Patrick – Mr. Jolly / Judge
Kiera Haynes – Janet Lundy
Rhianne Alleyne – Flamenco Singer
Adam Colbeck-Dunn – Alternate
Daniel Hillard
Children & Ensemble
The production has an alternating
youth cast portraying Christopher and Natalie Hillard, alongside a 15-member
ensemble and swing company. For the complete line-up of child performers and
ensemble members visit https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/mrs-doubtfire-2026/
where tickets may also be obtained.
Reviewer: Anne Pritchard
On: 11th November 2026
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