Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "The real reason MRS DOUBTFIRE is closing in the West End... (and the shows that are replacing it)"

Introduction

In the September 16, 2024 episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo delves into the unexpected closure of the beloved West End musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Despite its apparent success, the show is concluding earlier than anticipated. Mickey-Jo unpacks the underlying reasons for this decision, explores the new productions taking over its slot, and provides insightful predictions for the future landscape of West End theatre.

Mrs. Doubtfire's Running Success and Closure Announcement

Mickey-Jo begins by addressing the recent announcement that Mrs. Doubtfire will be closing its West End run in April 2025. Contrary to typical show closures driven by poor sales, this decision stems from strategic planning and logistical considerations.

He states, “Mrs. Doubtfire the musical is still doing great business there. I wonder if that is going to tour around the UK, where it would continue to do great business” (12:34).

To illustrate the closure announcement, Mickey-Jo references a video released by the show's PR team featuring Gabriel Vic, who portrays Mrs. Doubtfire. In the video, Gabrielle charmingly hints at the show's upcoming end:

Gabriel Vic (Mrs. Doubtfire) [04:45]: "You know, there comes a time in a woman's life when she gets certain energies... I'm starting to get itchy feet, dears, so the time has come to have a little vacay."

This playful message underscores the amicable nature of the show's closure, emphasizing a planned and positive transition rather than an abrupt withdrawal.

Analyzing Mrs. Doubtfire's Success in the West End

Despite facing challenges in New York, Mrs. Doubtfire has thrived in London. Mickey-Jo attributes its success to several factors:

1. Commercially Driven West End Landscape: London audiences favor shows based on familiar intellectual properties. Examples include hits like Stranger Things and Pretty Woman, which have enjoyed prolonged runs compared to their Broadway counterparts.

2. Family Appeal: The musical has resonated with families, particularly appealing to fathers, which in turn attracts entire families to the theatre. Mickey-Jo notes, “One of them is that this is a show that dads are willing to go and see. I've said this before, but if you can get the dads to go and see something, something, you can get the whole family to go and see something.”

3. Market Timing: The conclusion of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre created a favorable environment for Mrs. Doubtfire by reducing competition among family-oriented shows.

The Real Reason Behind the Closure: Real Estate and Production Strategy

The core reason for Mrs. Doubtfire's closure lies in the real estate and strategic planning of its producer, Jamie Wilson. Mickey-Jo explains that Wilson secured a 10-year lease with the Shaftesbury Theatre, granting him control over which productions occupy the space. However, Wilson is simultaneously producing multiple shows, including Sister Act at the Dominion Theatre and the upcoming Devil Wears Prada musical set to open in winter 2024.

Faced with limited theatre availability and an influx of successful productions, Wilson opted to conclude Mrs. Doubtfire to accommodate new shows that promise significant impact. As Mickey-Jo puts it, “Given that quandary, and this is all presumption on my part, he is faced with a choice. Do you let Mrs. Doubtfire to continue to run successfully for as long as possible and just hold these other projects waiting?... Or do you close Mrs. Doubtfire, put it out on tour so you can launch another show at this theatre that you have control of in the West End.”

Introducing "Just For One Day": The Replacement Show

The vacant slot left by Mrs. Doubtfire is being filled by Just For One Day, a jukebox musical celebrating the iconic Live Aid concerts. Premiering at the Old Vic Theatre in February 2024, the show has garnered considerable attention and is now set to transition to the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Key highlights about Just For One Day:

• Content and Appeal: The musical features timeless songs from famous Live Aid performances, targeting nostalgic audiences and music enthusiasts.

• Critical Acclaim: Producer Jamie Wilson lauded the musical as “the fastest selling musical in the Old Vic's history,” highlighting its widespread appeal (18:45).

• Leadership and Direction: Directed by Luke Shepard, known for his work on productions like Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre, ensuring a high-quality creative vision.

• Future Plans: Following its West End engagement, Just For One Day is slated to tour Canada and potentially other international locations, broadening its reach.

Mickey-Jo emphasizes the strategic timing of Just For One Day’s West End premiere, aligning it with the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. This move not only capitalizes on the historical significance but also positions the show for substantial recognition.

Future Predictions: The Notebook to Take the Spotlight

Looking ahead, Mickey-Jo anticipates that The Notebook, another film-based musical that faced early closure on Broadway, will be the next major production at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Produced by Jamie Wilson and Kevin McCullum, the musical is expected to open in February 2026, following the completion of Just For One Day’s run.

He speculates, “The Notebook, which recently closed early on Broadway... is going to be the show that comes to the Shaftesbury Theatre opening in February of 2026… because of this specific arrangement that Jamie Wilson, the producer, has with the Shaftesbury Theatre.”

This prediction underscores the ongoing trend of adapting popular films into successful West End productions, leveraging the familiarity and built-in audiences of iconic cinematic properties.

Community Engagement and Upcoming Events

Beyond the analysis, Mickey-Jo engages with his audience by promoting an upcoming live event at the Phoenix Arts Club on September 22nd. He encourages listeners to attend in person or via live stream to gain deeper insights into the theatre industry, interact with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and hear exclusive updates on forthcoming shows.

Conclusion

In this episode, Mickey-Jo provides a comprehensive look into the strategic decisions shaping the West End's theatrical offerings. By dissecting the closure of Mrs. Doubtfire and the introduction of Just For One Day, he reveals the intricate balance between commercial success, producer agreements, and the evolving preferences of London’s theatre-going public. His forward-looking predictions offer viewers a glimpse into the future of West End productions, particularly the anticipated arrival of The Notebook.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gabriel Vic (Mrs. Doubtfire) [04:45]: "You know, there comes a time in a woman's life when she gets certain energies... I'm starting to get itchy feet, dears, so the time has come to have a little vacay."

• Sir Bob Geldof [21:30]: "My comment before I saw Just For One Day was that it better not be shit. It's not. It is fantastic," he says in all caps joyous, largely true. "And the music is beyond miraculous."

• Producer Jamie Wilson [19:10]: "Just for One Day was the fastest selling musical in the Old Vic's history. We are thrilled to bring this production to the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End, opening on the 40th anniversary of the Live Aid concerts with the same timeless songs, renowned creative team, and a hugely talented company."

Stay Connected

For those interested in staying updated on the latest developments in West End and global theatre scenes, Mickey-Jo encourages subscribing to his YouTube channel MickeyJoTheatre and following him on other social media platforms. Upcoming content includes reviews, features, news, and lifestyle content tailored for theatre enthusiasts worldwide.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and future projections in the West End theatre landscape as analyzed by Mickey-Jo of MickeyJoTheatre.