Mark Williams to star in Doctor Dolittle in new touring production

Mark Williams is to play Doctor Doolittle in Leslie Bricusse's musical of the same name.

The Harry Potter and Fast Show star will take on the role at the first ten venues of the UK and Ireland tour of the show, which marks the 50th anniversary of the original film.

The piece will feature puppetry to tell the story of eccentric Doctor Dolittle who is able to chat to his menagerie of animal buddies and who heads off to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, which holds the secret of life. The musical features songs including "Talk to the Animals'' which won an Academy Award.

Williams' previous theatre credits include Fanshen at the National Theatre, Doctor of Honour for Cheek by Jowl and Toast at the Royal Court.

The new stage production is directed by Christopher Renshaw, with design from Tom Piper and musical supervision from Mike Dixon. Doctor Doolittle will open at Chuchill Theatre, Bromley on 9 November before heading to Salford, Oxford, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Sheffield and more.

Further casting will be announced in due course.