Dr Dolittle FEVA production

Illyria’s ‘Animal Magic’

The Adventures of Dr Dolittle

FEVA – The Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham 6.00pm 15 August 2024

Illyria’s talented troupe of travelling actors served up an early evening treat which was complemented by the delicious outdoor teas and refreshments available from the Kingfisher Kiosk. The sky was overcast, but at least it did not rain.

A versatile platform stage and simple set were the backdrop to the whole show. Simple, quick set and costume changes created different geographical changes.

Adults and children alike were captivated by the antics of Dr Dolittle and his animal friends as they sailed away from England to help monkeys in distress in Africa and made their way home again. Dr Dolittle, better at spending money than managing it, accidentally found a fortune by talking to animals. Human patients were less lucrative than animal patients, whose treatments worried owners happily paid for. The common sense was provided by Polynesia the parrot and Too Too  the owl, who tried to advise the good doctor.

The theme of money and happiness was present throughout family musical which was both comic and thought provoking. The animals played a prominent part given that they could talk and be understood by Dr Dolittle.

The actors were beautifully upstaged at times by their ‘animal’ counterparts. After a few minutes, you forgot that the animals were large articulated puppets, as their movements and lip-synched dialogue moved the story seamlessly along.

The cast were obviously enjoying themselves and this came across to the audience from the very first song. The show’s songs were imaginative, funny, and topical. The ‘Rat Shanty’ had been re-written to incorporate recent events and was warmly applauded. For me, the highlight of the evening was the extremely moving, ‘magical’ duet between the two horses, Toggle and Beppo, reunited after 35 years apart. The puppets’ movements and synchronisation made you forget their human ‘handlers’.

The outdoor performance was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Knaresborough and was certainly appreciated by everyone present, especially the children. For some, it was the first time they had seen theatre like this, and they were enthralled. Occasional pantomime- like dialogue, and comic themes in the Pushmipullyu song helped.

The animals stayed behind after the show to ‘talk’ to the young audience and have their photographs taken with them. Gub-gub the pig really enjoyed talking about cake! This was a lovely production which will stay in the audience’s memory a long time. If you were there, go and tell your friends what a great time you had.

Illyria are expected to be at FEVA next year. Book your tickets as soon as you can.

John Westmancoat