Did a golden envelope lead to a golden experience? We asked Mercedes Yearley, a BBC-featured, locally-based actress and theatre Director to review the comedy DocDoc, which runs at the Churchill Theatre from 5-15 February. Tickets here.
“Mercedes here, Quest Soul Theatre director, resident chatterbox and Theatre extraordinaire. I’m very excited. This is my first-ever theatre review for the Bromley Buzz. I don’t know why they haven’t asked before [neither are we!]. I have to say, it was very exciting receiving my tickets in a golden envelope. Next stop is the Golden Globes! But we are here for a review, so hold onto your handbags, watch your language, and here we go.
“The Churchill Theatre in Bromley welcomes DocDoc, a comedy that has entertained audiences across 37 countries. Its colourful staging, playful energy, and cast worked beautifully together to make for a lively and engaging evening of theatre.
“The story unfolds in a therapist’s waiting room, where a group of individuals — each with their own quirks and compulsions — find themselves left to their own devices when the doctor, a renowned specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders, fails to arrive. What follows is a chaotic, often hilarious journey as they attempt to help each other in unexpected ways.
“The production itself is a visual delight. The set was beautifully designed, bursting with bold, dynamic colours that seemed to reflect the very essence of the play — celebrating individuality in a world that sometimes feels a little too grey. While already well thought out, the costumes could have leaned further into this vibrancy to make each character pop even more.
“The performances were strong, with the cast bouncing off each other brilliantly. The ensemble work shone throughout, making the smallest interactions engaging and natural. Each character had their unique charm, and while their personalities were clearly defined, they also hinted at something more profound—reminding us that we all have elements of these traits in some way.
Gareth Brierley and Isabella Leung enjoy a cheerful exchange
“Adding an unexpected real-world layer to the evening was a moment of life imitating art. During the performance, a woman in the audience grew increasingly vocal, eventually leading to a brief disagreement in the bar afterwards. As it turned out, she had OCD, as did her children, and another audience member had been taken aback by her reactions. Given that DocDoc is a play about embracing people’s differences, it was a striking moment of theatre extending beyond the stage. The Churchill Theatre staff handled the situation with professionalism and care, ensuring the atmosphere remained positive and welcoming.
“The audience had a fantastic time. DocDoc is a fun, energetic piece of theatre that reminds us to embrace our quirks, find humour in the unexpected, and appreciate the vibrant tapestry of personalities that make up the world around us.
“DocDoc runs at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from February 5th to 15th, 2025. For tickets and more information, visit the Churchill Theatre’s official website.”
Images by Mark Senior Photography.
Bromley Buzz 