Dr Dolittle FEVA production

Fri, Aug 16th 2024 at 11:31 am- Sat, Jan 4th 2025 - 1:31 pm

We have once again sponsored a FEVA event


Illyria’s ‘Animal Magic’

The Adventures of Dr Dolittle

FEVA – The Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham 6.00pm 15 August 2024

Illyria’s talented troupe of travelling actors served up an early evening treat which was complemented by the delicious outdoor teas and refreshments available from the Kingfisher Kiosk. The sky was overcast, but at least it did not rain.

A versatile platform stage and simple set were the backdrop to the whole show. Simple, quick set and costume changes created different geographical changes.

Adults and children alike were captivated by the antics of Dr Dolittle and his animal friends as they sailed away from England to help monkeys in distress in Africa and made their way home again. Dr Dolittle, better at spending money than managing it, accidentally found a fortune by talking to animals. Human patients were less lucrative than animal patients, whose treatments worried owners happily paid for. The common sense was provided by Polynesia the parrot and Too Too  the owl, who tried to advise the good doctor.

The theme of money and happiness was present throughout family musical which was both comic and thought provoking. The animals played a prominent part given that they could talk and be understood by Dr Dolittle.

The actors were beautifully upstaged at times by their ‘animal’ counterparts. After a few minutes, you forgot that the animals were large articulated puppets, as their movements and lip-synched dialogue moved the story seamlessly along.

The cast were obviously enjoying themselves and this came across to the audience from the very first song. The show’s songs were imaginative, funny, and topical. The ‘Rat Shanty’ had been re-written to incorporate recent events and was warmly applauded. For me, the highlight of the evening was the extremely moving, ‘magical’ duet between the two horses, Toggle and Beppo, reunited after 35 years apart. The puppets’ movements and synchronisation made you forget their human ‘handlers’.

The outdoor performance was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Knaresborough and was certainly appreciated by everyone present, especially the children. For some, it was the first time they had seen theatre like this, and they were enthralled. Occasional pantomime- like dialogue, and comic themes in the Pushmipullyu song helped.

The animals stayed behind after the show to ‘talk’ to the young audience and have their photographs taken with them. Gub-gub the pig really enjoyed talking about cake! This was a lovely production which will stay in the audience’s memory a long time. If you were there, go and tell your friends what a great time you had.

Illyria are expected to be at FEVA next year. Book your tickets as soon as you can.

John Westmancoat

Brian SouterContact Brian Souter about this page:

(ALL fields required)

(If you are a Rotarian, please name your club.)

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Knaresborough Rotary President Jim Moorhouse, Lauren Doherty, Rebecca Blunstone and Knaresborough Rotarian Sarah Bosomworth

Lauren received life changing injuries in 2008 when she crossed a road in Harrogate late at night

more  
Helen at work on the paintings.

A much-loved Knaresborough landmark will soon be back opposite the bus station. The ‘Zoo’ in question is one of Knaresborough’s Trompe L’oeil paintings.

more  
YC day out 2024

Each year Knaresborough Rotary pays for an away day for local Young Carers Day Out.

more  
Event Poster

A new exciting event

more  
Dr Dolittle

We have once again sponsored a FEVA event

more  
Make a difference

Make a difference in your Community

more  
Rotarians at Henshaw's

Knaresborough Rotarians had an enjoyable visit to Henshaw's Arts and Crafts Centre with a guided tour and a meal last evening. Thanks to Gemma Young for the tour and Darrell and staff for the excellent food.

more  
Left to right Deborah Wilson, Helen Westmancoat, James Moorhouse and Stephanie Blevins.

Just to prove that Rotary is not an all-male organisation, it was all change at Knaresborough Rotary on 1st July as James Moorhouse handed over the Presidency to Helen Westmancoat. Helen will be succeeded as President in 2025 by Deborah Wilson.

more  

https://vimeo.com/492439562

more  
Poster

Three speakers on different topics, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

more