REVIEW OF DOCDOC AT THE PALACE THEATRE BY LYNN CARROLL

February 19, 2025

Well, I wasn’t expecting that! Why? Because I like to be surprised if it is a stage production that I have never heard of so consequently knew nothing about this comedy. I was certainly surprised as I began laughing along with the audience in less than 5 minutes despite the shocking language. It was only when I got home that I had a look at the programme and saw this: Contains swearing, bad language and adult themes, advised for audiences Ages 14+.

Now, I am not a lover of expletive laden language in day to day life but to be honest, although the words were offensive, I was not offended. The ‘offender’ was a respectable looking gentleman who unfortunately had a very bad case of Tourette’s Syndrome, so that made it feel acceptable and by the time other cast members threw in the odd swear word I had become quite inured to it, in fact I found it extremely funny.

I am sure that the play’s title and description of the first actor we saw on stage, is enough to give away where this riotously funny play was heading. The set was a doctor’s waiting room and five more patients entered at various intervals. The room was a rather bright and airy place which you could well believe to be what was intended and was very nice after some of the rather dingy and dull sets seen previously on stage.

As each cast member entered the room they were given time to introduce themselves to each other. It would be remiss of me to describe each one in turn and their various ‘problem’ so suffice to say that once all six had introduced themselves to each other the wait began for their elusive doctor to appear. Apparently this comedy has been seen by 4 million people worldwide under the title TocToc and this production premiered in Bromley earlier this month. I can only marvel at the genius required to write any play, let alone comedy, so hats off to the writer, Laurent Baffie.

However, I must congratulate the cast on their superb comic timing and portrayal of the problems besetting their characters. Whilst each actor played their part to perfection I have to give a mention to the one who stood out, for me, as the Captain of the ship who held the crew together, Ryan Early as Lee. A rough and ready but kind hearted London cab driver who was first to meet our Tourette’s sufferer, Fred.

Fred’s outrageous outbursts had me laughing out loud, albeit initially with a twinge of guilt. The other characters soon became used to his swearing and gestures as they did with the foibles and disorders of each other. Although this was primarily a comedy it also had value in showing us tolerance and understanding of the behaviour some people display which is not always seen as normal.

There is a lot going on at the moment causing consternation but if you go along to see this comedy I can assure you of a couple of hours of laughter, and they do say it is the best medicine.