The show will open in Manchester for a strictly limited run, after its Broadway debut a couple of years ago. Based on the unforgettable 90s family comedy film, the creative team includes Tony Award-nominated composers and lyricists Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks. The original production broke box office records during its Seattle tryout, where it extended its intended season and gained over $4.7M worth of tickets.
Hellooooo! You don’t need anything else to guess who we’re talking about. Nobody can utter that word the way that she (supposedly) can. Next season, British theatre is in for some laughs, emotion and a whole lot of nostalgia. The strictest, most Scottish and above all loveable nanny in the world is about to make a new comeback… this time onstage! After its Broadway debut, Mrs. Doubtfire is crossing the pond to reunite with her own roots… almost! Next September, the musical adaption of the most memorable 90s family comedy film will open in Manchester as its first stop in the UK, where it will play for a strictly limited run.
“Manchester is one of the great cities of theatre, and we can’t wait to bring Mrs Doubtfire to the Opera House”, say producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson. “We hope audiences will take this hilarious and touching show to their hearts, and promise a great evening for everyone!”. On the other hand, Sarah Bleasdale, General Manager of both the Palace and Opera House Theatres, has added: “We’re incredibly excited to have another production launching in the UK from Manchester, and this time – direct from Broadway. We continue to proudly showcase the very best in new musical theatre under our Manchester gets it first banner and know that our audiences have a real treat on the way with the iconic Mrs. Doubtfire”.
With original music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (the Tony Award-nominated team behind Something Rotten!, along with O’Farrell), direction by 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!) and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, the show tells the fun yet inspirational tale of unemployed actor Dan. After losing custody of his kids due to a messy divorce, he ends up creating his alter ego (elderly childcarer Euphegenia Doubtfire), in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. The first production opened at Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre in 2019 after its tryout at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, where its own broke box office record with over $4.7M worth of tickets and playing to more than 75,000 people in just 42 performances.
Mrs. Doubtfire will premiere in Manchester on September 2nd next year, where it will run until October 1st. Performances will take place from Mon – Sat at 7.30pm – matinees Weds & Sat at 2:30pm. Tickets will be available for purchase next week, priority sale on November 8th and general sale on November 11th, and can be bought on the following link.
First Night Magazine 