Review: DOCDOC at The Churchill Theatre

Photo credit: Mark Senior

Date: 7th February 2025 

Seat: K28 (Stalls)

Stars: 3.5

If you’ve ever sat in a waiting room and thought it was absolute chaos then DocDoc takes that feeling and dials it up to eleven. This internationally acclaimed comedy – having had audiences in 37 countries laughing themselves into a medical emergency – has finally checked in for its UK debut. And trust me, it’s just what the doctor ordered. 

The premise is comedy gold: Dr. Cooper, a world-renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders, is running late so his patients, each with their own quirks, anxieties, and neurotic tendencies, are left to their own devices. Meanwhile, poor Anna (Isabella Leung), the practice’s long-suffering assistant, is desperately trying to keep things from spiralling into total bedlam. Spoiler alert: she fails spectacularly. Instead of a calm and orderly queue, this bunch of misfits take self-help to a whole new (and completely misguided) level, resulting in misunderstandings, mix-ups, and moments of utter mayhem. 

The set-up is simple but brilliantly effective: a bog-standard doctor’s waiting room, complete with familiar chairs, clinical certificates, and the growing realisation that nobody is coming to sort this mess out. But DocDoc doesn’t need flashy set pieces – this show thrives on its characters, their interactions, and the sheer comedic chaos they create. 

The strength of DocDoc lies in its ensemble cast, who bring their characters’ eccentricities to life with brilliant timing and commitment. 

Photo credit: Mark Senior

Gareth Brierley as Fred is a highlight, playing an anxious, Tourette’s sufferer who somehow makes his own symptoms worse just by talking about them. His rapid-fire delivery and nervous energy keep the audience giggling throughout. Joanna Hudson-Fox as Blanche steals several scenes, especially when her character – who has an intense need for cleanliness – begins to unravel in increasingly ridiculous ways. Ryan Early as Lee brings a fantastic physicality to his role, using slapstick and precise movements to elevate even the simplest interactions into full-blown comedic moments. Leon Stewart’s Bob is a slow-burner but pays off big time in the second half with a lovely bit of character development. Julia J Nagle as Mary is fantastically funny and has a surprise or two up her sleeve. Sophie Bloor as Lily is a sweet and quiet (at first) character who blossoms by the end and in essence is the catalyst for everyone to get through the situation more easily. 

DocDoc works because it never lets the absurdity override the relatability. Anyone who’s ever been stuck in an NHS waiting room knows the pain – long delays, uncomfortable chairs, and the universal fear of making eye contact with that person who wants to overshare their entire medical history. This show takes all those little truths and pushes them to hilarious extremes. 

The physical comedy is where DocDoc really shines. Director Ian Talbot has orchestrated a perfect ballet of brilliantly timed chaos, and some of the best laughs come from completely wordless moments. As for the words, the writing, adapted by Susie McKenna and Clarisa Butler, is packed with sharp one-liners, just enough self-awareness, and a rapid pace that almost never lets the energy drop. 

Almost because if there’s a criticism, it’s that some of the scenes play a little too long (the game of Monopoly is a prime example) and a lot of points – and some jokes – are repeated too often to land a third or fourth time. However, the overall premise is fun enough to see past these few issues and it ends up being a fun play with a sweet message behind it. 

If laughter is the best medicine, DocDoc is a full prescription with unlimited refills. 

DocDoc is at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley until 15th February (tickets here: https://trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB/event/play/doc-doc-tickets) and the Palace Theatre in Southend from 18th to 22nd February (tickets here: https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/play/doc-doc-tickets).