Julia J Nagle stars in the UK premiere of Laurent Baffie’s globally acclaimed comedy DocDoc, set to debut at the Churchill Theatre Bromley and Palace Theatre Southend.
This hilarious farce, which has entertained over 4 million people in 37 countries, promises to deliver side-splitting laughter while exploring the quirks of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
DocDoc follows the chaos that ensues when a renowned specialist in OCD is late for appointments, leaving a diverse group of patients to attempt their own version of group therapy.
Catch DocDoc at the Churchill Theatre Bromley from 5-15 February 2025 and at the Palace Theatre Southend from 18-23 February 2025. Tickets can be booked at https://www.docdocplay.co.uk/.
You’re appearing in DocDoc at the Churchill Theatre Bromley and Palace Theatre Southend. What can you tell us about the show?
It’s funny – really, really funny! The play is set in a doctor’s waiting room. He’s a specialist in OCDs (obsessive-compulsive disorders) and is running late. One by one, we meet this cast of characters who all have different issues. DocDoc the play has been a huge hit worldwide but this is the first time it’s been done in the UK and in English.
How does DocDoc approach the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorders in a comedic way?
The characters are all meeting each other for the first time, and are initially shocked by each others’ OCDs. Their reactions to each other provide the humour. As time passes, they gradually start to understand each other.
Can you tell us about your character, Mary, and how you’ve prepared for this role?
Mary can’t stop checking things. She is constantly panicking that she’s left the gas on, and the house will blow up. As an Irish Catholic, she’s extremely shocked by other people’s swearing. As a character actress, doing lots of different accents is something I’m used to, so Mary’s Irish lilt is an absolute joy.
The show has been a huge success internationally. What do you think makes it resonate with audiences across different cultures?
The writer, Laurent Baffie, suffers from various OCDs himself, and he brings that compassion and understanding to the play. That warmth translates across any culture.
How does the UK adaptation differ from Laurent Baffie’s original French version?
I don’t know the original French version but I’m told it is absolutely brilliant and very, very funny. We have had to adapt some of the script to hit the British funny bone, but the heart of the play remains the same.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see DocDoc?
The tagline is “Everyone’s got one, what’s yours?” We can all recognise something of ourselves, our friends or our family members in the characters. It feels good to laugh, so just come out to the theatre and laugh with us and have a great time.
