Make a day out of 'Mrs Doubtfire' in London

Make your family visit to West End musical comedy Mrs Doubtfire a sure-fire hit by adding even more fun activities to your London trip.

Help is on the way, dears! Everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny – first inhabited in the 1993 comedy film by Robin Williams, playing a divorced dad who disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire so he can see his children – is now a West End star.

The inventive, heartfelt and raucously funny stage musical adaptation has become a new audience favourite, packed with gags, big musical numbers, and a touching reflection on how family can come in different forms, as long as there is love.

As you prepare for your own visit to this fantastic London musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, follow our suggestions for some other fun activities you can do in the capital to make your Doubtfire trip a sure-fire success.

Book Mrs Doubtfire tickets on London Theatre.

Shrek’s Adventure!

Who could forget out-of-work actor Daniel’s purring Scottish accent as he transforms into the comforting nanny Mrs Doubtfire? It’s an inspired choice, brilliantly re-created in the stage show. But that’s not the only Scottish icon you can meet while you’re in London.

Head to Shrek’s Adventure! and you can enter the world of Far Far Away, and have an unforgettable adventure with all your favourite characters from the DreamWorks movie: Shrek, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and more. You’ll love it, poppet!

Address: County Hall, London SE1

Book Shrek’s Adventure! tickets on London Theatre.

Colonel Saab

The beautiful Indian restaurant Colonel Saab, whose flagship venue is located just minutes from the Shaftesbury Theatre, is offering a special Mrs Doubtfire dining experience, with every dish inspired by the musical. You can enjoy a two-course set lunch, or splash out on a five-course experience menu complete with colour-changing gin cocktail.

In fact, transformation is a theme throughout, in tribute to Daniel/Mrs Doubtfire. Highlights include the “Poppet’s Paneer Pakeezah”, “Helloooo! Gutti Vankaya”, a “Run-By Fruiting”, and a grand finale involving liquid nitrogen. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your theatre trip.

Address: 193-197 High Holborn, London WC1V

Price: ££

Madame Tussauds

When Daniel goes to his brother Frank for help with his makeover, we get a fabulous disco number in the show all about female icons who, together, provide the inspiration for Mrs Doubtfire. They include Eleanor Roosevelt, Princess Diana, Donna Summer, Margaret Thatcher, and Julia Child.

Have your own encounter with famous figures at London’s legendary waxworks museum Madame Tussauds, home to Beyoncé, Zendaya, Queen Elizabeth II, and many more. You can also take a tour in a classic black cab, and travel the galaxy with immersive Avengers and Star Wars experiences.

Address: Marylebone Road, London NW1

Book Madame Tussauds tickets on London Theatre.

ESPA Life at Corinthia

Daniel has to think fast when his social worker calls on him (and his “sister”) unexpectedly, and he needs to hide his face – so he plunges it into a cream pie and pretends he’s wearing a mask. It’s a side-splitting piece of slapstick, but it might also get you thinking about how relaxing a spa trip might be.

Luckily, London has some gorgeous spas on offer, ideal for providing you with a holiday treat and a little rest from all your sightseeing, shopping and theatre-going. Try ESPA Life at the Corinthia Hotel, which is right by Trafalgar Square and features heated loungers, a jet pool, and an ice fountain.

Address: Whitehall Place, London SW1A

Price: £££

Mamma Mia!

Mrs Doubtfire isn't the only West End musical comedy featuring a complicated family situation. While Daniel, Miranda, and the kids are wrestling with their new normal, over on a Greek island you’ll find Sophie, who invites three strange men to her wedding in hopes of finding out who her father is – to the horror of mum Donna.

Mamma Mia! also features the same wonderful mix of farcical comedy and heart as Mrs Doubtfire, making it a great show to programme in a special London theatre double bill. Plus you get all those amazing ABBA tunes: Mrs D would definitely join you in a boogie to “Dancing Queen”.

Address: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B

Book Mamma Mia! tickets on London Theatre.

The Jamie Oliver Cookery School

One of the hilarious numbers in the Mrs Doubtfire musical revolves around Daniel trying to learn to cook so that (as Mrs D) he can impress his ex Miranda and the kids. But those online recipe videos aren’t as simple as they look, and poor Daniel soon gets into a muddle.

We’ve all been there, right? Well, why not take the time to brush up your culinary skills in a fun class at British TV chef Jamie Oliver’s cooking school. The timetable includes parent-and-child ones where you can master fresh pasta and speedy pizza – and then enjoy the fruits of your labour. Yum!

Address: 160 Holloway Road, London N7

Price: ££

Mrs Doubtfire

Complete your red-hot London trip by heading to the Shaftesbury Theatre for the gorgeous Mrs Doubtfire musical, guaranteed to make you howl with laughter at all of Daniel’s zany antics and also tear up thanks to its lovely message about family.

Skilfully adapted by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, it’s a modern take on a comedy classic, and the varied score just keeps throwing up new surprises, whether a brilliantly over-the-top flamenco number or a surreal sequence incorporating Riverdance. It’s a sizzling spectacular.

Book Mrs Doubtfire tickets on London Theatre.