REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Morris Gilbert and Óskar Eiriksson present the UK premiere of
Laurent Baffie’s international smash hit comedy about OCD
DocDoc
at the
Palace Theatre Southend from 18-23 February 2025.
Directed by Ian Talbot
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Morris Gilbert and Óskar Eiriksson present the UK premiere of
Laurent Baffie’s international smash hit comedy about OCD
DocDoc
at the
Palace Theatre Southend from 18-23 February 2025.
Directed by Ian Talbot
Sharing its UK premier with the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, the international smash hit comedy, Doc Doc written by Laurent Baffie, has now come to Southend and what a fantastic scoop for the Palace Theatre this is.
Doc Doc has successfully played to over 4 million people in over 37 countries and now it’s the turn of the UK production to introduce us to this outstandingly popular play.
Billed as a farce, Doc Doc is a play set in the waiting room of Dr Cooper, a renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders and who is running late for his appointments. Each prospective patient respectively walks through the door of the swanky surgery - a great set design from Paula Sabina - where we, in turn, discover each of their reasons for being there.
First up is 59 year old Fred (Gareth Brierley) who is already sat waiting when the curtain goes up and London cabbie, Lee (Ryan Early), walks through the door and quickly figures out that Fred suffers with Tourette’s and, in turn, Fred discovers that Lee has an obsession with numbers.
Next to arrive is Blanche (Joanna Hudson-Fox) who is terrified of germs and illness and then Mary (Julia J Nagle) reminiscent of Father Ted’s Mrs Doyle, who is constantly crossing herself at every curse word, checking her bag for the door keys she thinks she’s forgotten and in constant anxiety as to whether she’s left the gas or water on.
Next up is 23 year old Lilli who has to say everything twice or she believes that someone in her family will die and then Bob, dressed head to toe in green, who can’t tread on lines and insists on everything being symmetrical.
It’s quite the combination of compulsiveness and with the event of Dr Cooper’s flight arriving late and his appointments to see the patients less and less imminent, the desperate group are forced to either leave or try and give themselves some group therapy as suggested by Bob, who has been down this road before and knows a method that he think may help them, reluctant as they are to try.
Led by taxi driver, Lee, they take turns to try and rid themselves of their OCD demons and the chaos ensues.
For a subject that could render quite sensitive for some, this play is brilliantly written to acquaint anyone who has no understanding of OCD to all the idiosyncrasies and frustrations that this mental illness can deliver. It’s a full throttle introduction to just how bad things can get, whether it’s something that’s planted in your DNA or if it’s caused by a traumatic or upsetting event. And the thing is, we all know that these characters are out there. We’ve all seen the documentaries on tv and are acutely aware that for many, OCD is a grim reality with a constant and daily battle. This play, however, gives us licence to laugh with them not at them, which makes it not just funny but also makes each character completely investable and endearing and I'm certain that for anyone who has OCD, that this play will resonate in a good way.
There are some fantastic performances from every member of the cast and the hour and forty minute production whizzes by at a great pace with the audience constantly gripped by the action, and not forgetting Isabella Leung who occasionally pops in and out of the waiting room as Anna, the doctor’s practice assistant, to let them know his whereabouts and attempt to calm proceedings.
Proving that laughter really is the best medicine, this is such a refreshing and original piece of theatre. It really is a delight. Director, Ian Talbot, has steered the cast expertly in this brilliantly written and crafted play, creating a totally engaging and hilarious night out for audiences.
If you’re not a fan of extremely bad language - and I mean REALLY bad - then this probably isn’t for you (there is a warning that it isn’t recommended for under 14s) however, it would be a great exercise in open mindedness if you could give it a go.
It’s funny, it’s quirky, it’s full of chaos with characters who truly endear. It’s such a joy to come and see an original production that not only is great fun and clearly an audience pleaser but also has you walking away with something to reflect on. A well moulded and marvellous piece of theatre. Don’t miss it.
Review: Kim Tobin
Doc Doc has successfully played to over 4 million people in over 37 countries and now it’s the turn of the UK production to introduce us to this outstandingly popular play.
Billed as a farce, Doc Doc is a play set in the waiting room of Dr Cooper, a renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders and who is running late for his appointments. Each prospective patient respectively walks through the door of the swanky surgery - a great set design from Paula Sabina - where we, in turn, discover each of their reasons for being there.
First up is 59 year old Fred (Gareth Brierley) who is already sat waiting when the curtain goes up and London cabbie, Lee (Ryan Early), walks through the door and quickly figures out that Fred suffers with Tourette’s and, in turn, Fred discovers that Lee has an obsession with numbers.
Next to arrive is Blanche (Joanna Hudson-Fox) who is terrified of germs and illness and then Mary (Julia J Nagle) reminiscent of Father Ted’s Mrs Doyle, who is constantly crossing herself at every curse word, checking her bag for the door keys she thinks she’s forgotten and in constant anxiety as to whether she’s left the gas or water on.
Next up is 23 year old Lilli who has to say everything twice or she believes that someone in her family will die and then Bob, dressed head to toe in green, who can’t tread on lines and insists on everything being symmetrical.
It’s quite the combination of compulsiveness and with the event of Dr Cooper’s flight arriving late and his appointments to see the patients less and less imminent, the desperate group are forced to either leave or try and give themselves some group therapy as suggested by Bob, who has been down this road before and knows a method that he think may help them, reluctant as they are to try.
Led by taxi driver, Lee, they take turns to try and rid themselves of their OCD demons and the chaos ensues.
For a subject that could render quite sensitive for some, this play is brilliantly written to acquaint anyone who has no understanding of OCD to all the idiosyncrasies and frustrations that this mental illness can deliver. It’s a full throttle introduction to just how bad things can get, whether it’s something that’s planted in your DNA or if it’s caused by a traumatic or upsetting event. And the thing is, we all know that these characters are out there. We’ve all seen the documentaries on tv and are acutely aware that for many, OCD is a grim reality with a constant and daily battle. This play, however, gives us licence to laugh with them not at them, which makes it not just funny but also makes each character completely investable and endearing and I'm certain that for anyone who has OCD, that this play will resonate in a good way.
There are some fantastic performances from every member of the cast and the hour and forty minute production whizzes by at a great pace with the audience constantly gripped by the action, and not forgetting Isabella Leung who occasionally pops in and out of the waiting room as Anna, the doctor’s practice assistant, to let them know his whereabouts and attempt to calm proceedings.
Proving that laughter really is the best medicine, this is such a refreshing and original piece of theatre. It really is a delight. Director, Ian Talbot, has steered the cast expertly in this brilliantly written and crafted play, creating a totally engaging and hilarious night out for audiences.
If you’re not a fan of extremely bad language - and I mean REALLY bad - then this probably isn’t for you (there is a warning that it isn’t recommended for under 14s) however, it would be a great exercise in open mindedness if you could give it a go.
It’s funny, it’s quirky, it’s full of chaos with characters who truly endear. It’s such a joy to come and see an original production that not only is great fun and clearly an audience pleaser but also has you walking away with something to reflect on. A well moulded and marvellous piece of theatre. Don’t miss it.
Review: Kim Tobin
Morris Gilbert and Óskar Eiriksson present the UK premiere of Laurent Baffie’s outrageously hilarious worldwide hit comedy play DocDoc - which has had over 4 million people in over 37 countries in stitches - at the Palace Theatre Southend from 18-23 February 2025.
In this hysterical farce which pokes fun at all our idiosyncrasies and foibles, Doctor Cooper, a renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders, is running late. Meanwhile, he has a waiting room filled with patients desperate to be treated. First up there’s Fred with a bad case of Tourette’s, and behind him a growing queue of more and more challenging compulsions. Practice Assistant, Anna, attempts to keep on top of the mounting chaos whilst we await the good doctor's arrival but, with the extended absence of Doctor Cooper, the group has no other option than to try their own version of group therapy, with screamingly funny consequences.
DocDoc stars Sophie Bloor (Gay Pride and No Prejudice) as Lili, Gareth Brierley (The Diplomat) as Fred, Ryan Early (Coronation Street) as Lee, Joanna Hudson-Fox (Emmerdale) as Blanche, Isabella Leung (A Bouffon Play About Hong Kong) as Anna, Julia J Nagle (9 to 5 The Musical) as Mary and Leon Stewart (Wish You Were Dead) as Bob with Rhîan Crowley-McLean (Witness for the Prosecution) and Joshua Ford (Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) as understudies.
The UK Creative Team for DocDoc is Writer Laurent Baffie, English Version by Julian Quintanilla, Adaptation by Susie McKenna and Clarisa Butler, Director Ian Talbot (The Mousetrap) with Original Direction by Lia Jelin and Designer Paula Sabina.
In this hysterical farce which pokes fun at all our idiosyncrasies and foibles, Doctor Cooper, a renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders, is running late. Meanwhile, he has a waiting room filled with patients desperate to be treated. First up there’s Fred with a bad case of Tourette’s, and behind him a growing queue of more and more challenging compulsions. Practice Assistant, Anna, attempts to keep on top of the mounting chaos whilst we await the good doctor's arrival but, with the extended absence of Doctor Cooper, the group has no other option than to try their own version of group therapy, with screamingly funny consequences.
DocDoc stars Sophie Bloor (Gay Pride and No Prejudice) as Lili, Gareth Brierley (The Diplomat) as Fred, Ryan Early (Coronation Street) as Lee, Joanna Hudson-Fox (Emmerdale) as Blanche, Isabella Leung (A Bouffon Play About Hong Kong) as Anna, Julia J Nagle (9 to 5 The Musical) as Mary and Leon Stewart (Wish You Were Dead) as Bob with Rhîan Crowley-McLean (Witness for the Prosecution) and Joshua Ford (Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) as understudies.
The UK Creative Team for DocDoc is Writer Laurent Baffie, English Version by Julian Quintanilla, Adaptation by Susie McKenna and Clarisa Butler, Director Ian Talbot (The Mousetrap) with Original Direction by Lia Jelin and Designer Paula Sabina.
Laurent Baffie – who has experienced obsessive-compulsive disorders himself – is a French writer, radio and television presenter, actor, theatre director and filmmaker. He began writing sketches for other comedians as early as 1985, but it was not until 1991 that he became known for his bold and provocative improvisations on television. In 2005, he wrote Toc Toc (retitled as DocDoc for the UK), which was a huge success not only in France but all over the world, especially in Spain and South America, where it was an unprecedented success. Toc Toc has been seen by more than 4,300,000 people and has won numerous awards. Laurent Baffie writes a new play every year. He has also written several books, including his own dictionary, with over 500,000 copies sold. His jokes and hidden cameras are popular on his Instagram and YouTube channels. Laurent Baffie is a bestselling author whose comic tone, freedom and impertinence make him a unique character.
Julián Quintanilla is a Spanish writer and also a Theatre and Film director. His latest work in film, the medium-length film El Mundo Entero, qualified for the Oscars and was nominated for the Goya Awards in 2018, as well as winning 44 international awards, including 'Best Live Action Short Film' at the Cleveland International Film Festival. As a playwright, his plays Mi abuela, la loca, El gran día de la madre and Hongos stand out. His work as a Molière Award-winning adaptor of French plays has earned him worldwide recognition, with his texts premiered in more than 20 countries, performed and directed by leading figures in the theatre. Julián has a degree in directing from the RESAD in Madrid, a degree in cinema from the University of Paris and a degree in audiovisual scriptwriting from the French Screenwriters' School. Julián is currently finishing the post-production of his first feature film.
The producers of DocDoc will be working in partnership with UK-based mental health charities. More details are to be announced.
Visit: https://www.docdocplay.co.uk/.
Laughter really is the best medicine with DocDoc!
Julián Quintanilla is a Spanish writer and also a Theatre and Film director. His latest work in film, the medium-length film El Mundo Entero, qualified for the Oscars and was nominated for the Goya Awards in 2018, as well as winning 44 international awards, including 'Best Live Action Short Film' at the Cleveland International Film Festival. As a playwright, his plays Mi abuela, la loca, El gran día de la madre and Hongos stand out. His work as a Molière Award-winning adaptor of French plays has earned him worldwide recognition, with his texts premiered in more than 20 countries, performed and directed by leading figures in the theatre. Julián has a degree in directing from the RESAD in Madrid, a degree in cinema from the University of Paris and a degree in audiovisual scriptwriting from the French Screenwriters' School. Julián is currently finishing the post-production of his first feature film.
The producers of DocDoc will be working in partnership with UK-based mental health charities. More details are to be announced.
Visit: https://www.docdocplay.co.uk/.
Laughter really is the best medicine with DocDoc!