Last Updated on September 11, 2025
Dinner and Drama: A Feast for the Senses
Imagine an evening where two of your favourite things come together – exquisite Indian cuisine at one of London’s top curry houses and the magic of a West End musical. Welcome to the Mrs Doubtfire x Colonel Saab Theatrical Dining Experience, where a night of exceptional food blends seamlessly with the charm and laughter of the stage, creating a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of London.
This award-winning Indian dining concept offers fans a multi-sensory, pre-theatre experience, complete with cocktails and dishes inspired by iconic scenes. These culinary creations, much like the title character of the Shaftesbury Theatre’s comedy show and the beloved 90s film, transform before your eyes and are full of surprises…
This exciting dining experience takes place at Colonel Saab’s flagship Holborn restaurant, a contemporary Indian eatery with a unique interior. Located in central London, the restaurant occupies a Grade II listed building that once housed the Holborn Town Hall.
Prepare to be captivated from the moment you step inside. Colonel Saab greets you with vibrant warm orange walls, plush leather banquettes, and a ceiling adorned with 48 hand-blown chandeliers. This beautiful restaurant is the creation of proprietor Roop Partap Choudhary who established his Holborn and Trafalgar Square Colonel Saab restaurants as a “love letter” to his family and India.
The restaurant is adorned with treasures and museum-worthy artworks, including portrait paintings, glass decanters, family photographs, and temple doors repurposed as tables. These pieces were collected by Roop’s parents, Binny and Manbeer Choudhary, during their travels across India throughout Manbeer’s distinguished military career, where they savoured a variety of cuisines, from noble banquets to local Rajasthan lunches and British-inspired Indian breakfasts.
Our dining experience started at 5.15 p.m, giving us plenty of time for a leisurely dinner before strolling just a few minutes up the road to the Shaftesbury Theatre to see Mrs. Doubtfire – The Musical.
The five-course, cocktail-paired Mrs Doubtfire-themed menu kicked off with a stunning colour-changing Chachi 420 gin cocktail – a refreshing blend of lime, mint and soda with a zesty punch. Named after the hit Bollywood remake of Mrs Doubtfire, a culturally significant film in India where they embraced Robin Williams like no other Hollywood star – this colourful drink set the stage for the evening ahead.
This was followed by an amuse-bouche called Help Is On Its Way, Dear, another aptly named surprise – a dinky muffin that appeared to be a sweet treat but was actually a scrumptious savoury bite with corn and roasted cumin.
Next, we indulged in the Matchmaker Noor Mahdi Chicken Tikka – generous pieces of juicy chicken tikka. And Doubt Everything Krubani Aloo Tikka Chaat – a simply delicious dish featuring crispy, spiced chaat topped with warm apricots, luscious yoghurt, tamarind, and green chutney.
Our waiter, Shubbak, was both charming and attentive, fully embracing the spirit of the show by arriving in full Mrs Doubtfire regalia to serve the main course! Dear’s Delight Butter Chicken – tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, velvety spiced tomato and cashew sauce served with pilaf rice.
Dessert arrived in two courses, with the first being a surprising twist – a Drive-by-Fruit-ing – a cheese ice cream that, while unusual, offered a mild, creamy texture paired with fresh berries. Neither sweet nor cold, it might not be to everyone’s taste. However, the second course, the Layered in Love mishti doi cheesecake, a Bengali-style yoghurt cake, truly hit the sweet spot.
After indulging to our hearts’ content, we set off to enjoy the show.
Many of you may remember the 1993 hit film Mrs. Doubtfire which starred Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and Harvey Fierstein. This heartfelt comedy-drama film tells the story of Daniel, a loving but irresponsible father who struggles with holding down a job. After a bitter divorce, Daniel loses custody of his three children. Desperate to spend more time with them, he disguises himself as an elderly Scottish nanny, Mrs Doubtfire, and gets hired by his ex-wife, Miranda to care for the kids. In the process, Daniel learns the importance of responsibility and family. His secret identity sparks comedic and touching moments, bringing the family closer in unexpected ways.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical, written by John O’Farrell, known for his work on Have I Got News For You and Spitting Image, has just celebrated its first anniversary. Fun and witty, with plenty of upbeat songs, this musical version directed by Jerry Zaks, stays true to the 90s film while introducing fresh elements. Gabriel Vick brilliantly portrays Daniel, an out-of-work comic actor with a talent for impressions. He delivers most of the gags and impresses with his spot-on mimicry of topical figures like Joe Biden, Prince Harry, and Boris Johnson, adding a humorous twist that entertains the audience. Plus, his super-fast costume changes are extraordinarily well executed!
Laura Tebbutt portrays Miranda, a fashion designer and Daniel’s frustrated wife, she delivers s few rollicking power ballads with impressive energy. This contemporary version embraces themes of cross-dressing, highlighted by the show-stopping number “Make Me a Woman”, where Daniel receives a flamboyant makeover from his wonderfully camp brother (Cameron Blakely) and his brother’s husband (Marcus Collins). The kids are a delight, balancing their sweetness with just enough charm to allow the more serious moments to resonate effectively. While some musical numbers feel loosely connected to the storyline, the production overall is a lively and very amusing take on a beloved classic.
The show’s infectious energy and heartwarming moments make it an ideal outing for all ages. Combined with a fabulous dining experience at Colonel Saab, you’re sure to enjoy a night that’s both entertaining and delicious – a perfect recipe for a wonderful evening out.
Diners at Colonel Saab’s flagship Holborn restaurant can choose between the £60, five-course and cocktail Mrs Doubtfire Experience Menu or the shorter, two course £35 Mrs Doubtfire Set Lunch Menu,
Colonel Saab, High Holborn
193-197 High Holborn,
London
WC1V 7BD
www.mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk/
Shaftesbury Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London
WC2H 8DP
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