The musical made its world premiere in London at the Hammersmith Apollo in 1998, followed by tours of the UK and US.
Productions
Original London production (1998-99) and UK tour (2000-2001)
The world premiere production opened at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on 14 July 1998 starring TV presenter and personality Phillip Schofield in the title role. The role played by Anthony Newley in the film was played by Irish television presenter and actor Bryan Smyth. The production was directed by Steven Pimlott, designed by Mark Thompson, lighting designed by Hugh Vanstone, choreographed by Aletta Collins and featured animal puppets provided by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. The production also featured the pre-recorded voice of Julie Andrews as Polynesia the parrot.
"Rex Harrison [who originated the role in the 1968 film] was fabulous, but he was a generation and half older than the leading lady Samantha Eggar. With a younger Dr. Dolittle, the potential of that relationship is much greater".[1]
The production's budget cost £4 million, at the time one of the most expensive musicals ever staged. The production closed on 26 June 1999, having run for almost a year.
It was followed by a UK tour in 2000 and 2001 which also starred Schofield sharing the title role with Paul Nicholas and Russ Abbott.
US National Tour (2005-06)
The show made its American debut on a national tour which began at the Benedum Center in Pittsburg from August 2, 2005. The production starred Tom Hewitt in the title role and was directed by Glenn Casale, scenic designed by Kenneth Foy, costumes designed by Ann Hould-Ward, puppets and magic designed by Michael Curry, and choreography by Rob Ashford. After just 9 weeks of touring, the producers announced that the production would close due to the lack of ticket sales.[2]
Following the early closure of the production, nine-time Tony Award Winner, Tommy Tune directed and starred in a revamped version of the tour from January 2006. The rest of the creative team remained the same as the start of the tour. The production was produced by Pittsburgh CLO, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Independent Presenters Network and Columbia Artists Theatricals.
Further UK tours
2007-08 UK tour
In 2007, Bill Kenwright produced a brand new production of the musical starring Tommy Steele in the title role which toured the UK until 2008. The production was directed by Bob Tomson, designed by Paul Farnsworth and choreographed by Karen Bruce. This production was a revised version with many changes to the book and musical numbers.
2018-19 UK tour
A new UK tour presented by Music & Lyrics opened at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 9 November 2018. Mark Williams played the title role alongside Brian Capron as Blossom / Straight Arrow, Vicky Entwistle as Polynesia, Mollie Melia-Redgrave as Emma Fairfax and Patric Sullivan as Matthew Muggins. The production was directed by Christopher Renshaw, designed by Tom Piper, choreographed by Josh Rhodes with musical supervision by Mike Dixon.
Music & Lyrics Productions closed the tour at the end of its run at the New Theatre, Oxford on 26 January 2019. The company has cited lower than anticipated advance ticket sales for the reason to cancel the tour.[3]
