Review: DR DOLITTLE KILLS A MAN (AND READS EXTRACTS FROM HIS NEW BOOK) at The London Hospital Tavern

 


Date: 22nd March 2024

Seat: Unallocated (Front Row)

Tickets: Gifted

Rating: 3 Stars

Dr John D.O.G. Dolittle has written a book all about his exciting exploits, and he wants us to know about it. That’s why we’re there, after all – he’s going to read extracts from that book and regale us all with his amazing adventures. 

To be fair, that’s pretty much what Dolittle (played by Aidan Pittman who also wrote the play) does over the course of a hilarious and absolutely bonkers hour in Dr Dolittle Kills A Man (and reads extracts from his new book), and I am absolutely here for it. If you’re a fan of The Mighty Boosh or The League of Gentlemen, this is exactly the show for you. 

The titular book is massive, and Dolittle can only choose one story to read to his audience, so he picks one about a f*cking huge ruby, which includes Nazi birds, bodybuilding puffins, a “small little man” called Dog, references to Indiana Jones galore, a brain-eating worm, Charles Darwin, Curious George, Eddie Murphy, and something called the Fountain of Evolution – and that’s just to start (and probably a better choice than the story called “Dr Dolittle Tries Meth” that’s another one of the options!). 

As Dolittle, Aidan Pittman manages to create a character that’s part an egotistical maniac and part something akin to a squirrel on a caffeine high, darting around with wild energy and nutty ideas, and no matter what the man gets up to, you can’t help but like him. And when it comes to the final showdown, the audience is completely on Dolittle’s side. 

As well as the fantastic performances, something that absolutely wowed the entire audience judging by the gasps and cheers were the props – Freddie the evil puffin and the Wise One (an ancient turtle) were wonderful, and the technology that went into creating them is far beyond my understanding, but suffice it to say they’re impressive and unexpected and add an extra element of wonder/delight/childlike glee to the entire thing. 

This is a very silly play, and like nothing else out there thanks to its clever use of PowerPoint slideshows and first-rate Photoshop editing. Am I being serious? There’s nothing serious about Dr Dolittle Kills A Man, which is one of the reasons it works so well. Just sit back and let the madness wash over you, and you’re sure to have a good time.

Dr Dolittle Kills A Man will be performed at both the Brighton Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe, with dates to be announced. 

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