Doctor Dolittle at The Lowry

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Doctor Dolittle the Musical Tour
© Alastair Muir, courtesy of The Lowry

Doctor Dolittle at Lowry, Salford 11 December 2018 — 5 January 2019 Tickets from £16.50 — Book now

Let’s face it who doesn’t sometimes prefer animals to people? The eccentric Doctor Dolittle is set to entertain and enchant a new generation of theatregoers this festive season in a new production of academy award-winner Leslie Bricusse’s musical at The Lowry.

Based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison, Doctor Dolittle stars Mark Williams (The Fast Show, 101 Dalmatians, The Borrowers, Shakespeare in Love and Harry Potter) in the title role together with Coronation Street’s Vicky Entwistle and Brian Capron.

The first images and videos of the puppets have been released to much excitement, revealing artistry of the highest order to bring to life the Doctor’s exotic menagerie of animal friends.

As Dolittle’s life is transformed by his ability to talk to the animals, we can expect to have our eyes opened by a whole other world.

Follow the epic tale of the Doctor, his human companions and animal friends (most notably the Pushmi-Pullyu and Polynesia the Parrot)  on their quest to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place.

More plot twists and turns than a curlywurly are set to keep you on the edges of your seat complete with magnificent sea voyage, shipwreck and the magic of Sea Star Island animal sanctuary, complete with Big Buggaflies, dodo, unicorn and baby mammoth.

Although totally entertaining, there are some real messages of animal (and human) rights. Author Hugh Lofting first dreamed up Doctor John Dolittle in his illustrated letters to his children, written from the trenches during the First World War. It’s both heartwarming and poignant to know that such much-needed tales of magic escapism from reality can endure the test of time.

We can expect a quality musical adventure, from the producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Addams Family.

Doctor Dolittle at Lowry, Salford 11 December 2018 — 5 January 2019 Tickets from £16.50 Book now

What's on at Lowry

Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

from £28.50
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry
DanceMediaCityUK
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry

Happening as part of Lowry’s 25th anniversary, Aakash Odedra’s five-star show, accompanied by a live orchestra, arrives in Salford for one special performance this May.

from £16.50

Where to go near Doctor Dolittle at The Lowry

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

Ice Rink
Manchester
MCUK Ice Rink
at Media City

Embrace that most Christmassy of activities and get your skates on outside of the chaotic city centre this winter. The Ice Rink at Media City will be serving festive fun till January 5th.

Manchester
Shop
Booths Media City

The Booths branch at Media City, Salford Quays is much appreciated by TV, radio and media executives who work in the area.

What's on: Theatre

Free Activity at Aviva Studios
Until
ComedyManchester
Free Activity at Aviva Studios

From comedy nights to drop-in family craft sessions, Factory International bring an accessible and inclusive programme of events this spring – the best thing, it’s all free.

free entry

Culture Guides

Sextile
Music in the North

Electronic music features heavily in our latest round-up of gig highlights across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.