If you're a fan of classic Disney tales or simply love a good family-friendly production, then 101 Dalmatians the Musical UK Tour is a must-see! From its heartwarming story to its memorable performances, this stage adaptation brings the much-loved animated film to life in a way that captivates both children and adults.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the show, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by the vibrant energy and creativity that filled the stage. This review highlights the standout moments, especially Kym Marsh’s sensational portrayal of the iconic villain, Cruella de Vil.
A Classic Tale, Brought to Life
The story of 101 Dalmatians is a timeless one, centred around the loving couple Pongo and Perdita, their pups, and the notorious fur-obsessed villain, Cruella de Vil. As the dastardly Cruella hatches her evil plan to steal the Dalmatian puppies for a fur coat, the audience is taken on an adventure through charming set designs, energetic musical numbers, and moments of heartwarming bravery and camaraderie.
One of the things I loved about this production is how they managed to stay true to the original storyline while incorporating modern stage techniques, including stunning puppetry for the Dalmatians and creative choreography. The set itself was magical, effortlessly transforming from the cozy home of Pongo and Perdita’s owners to the sinister lair of Cruella.
Kym Marsh as Cruella de Vil – A Showstopper
Of course, 101 Dalmatians wouldn’t be the same without its villain, and Kym Marsh’s portrayal of Cruella was nothing short of brilliant. Many will recognise Kym Marsh from her pop star days in Hear’Say or Coronation Street, but here, she commands the stage as Cruella with such confidence and flair.
From her sharp wit to her over-the-top fashion, Kym’s Cruella was larger-than-life in all the best ways. Her comic timing was impeccable, earning her laughs with her exaggerated gestures and witty lines. But what really made her performance shine was the way she captured Cruella’s menacing yet oddly charming personality. Kym’s vocals were also impressive, delivering powerful and theatrical numbers that added to the villain’s dramatic flair.
Her costume design was another highlight. Every time she appeared on stage, the audience couldn't help but be drawn to her striking presence – with her black-and-white ensemble and bold makeup perfectly matching her character's outrageous personality. It’s safe to say that Kym Marsh was born to play Cruella, and she brought a fresh and entertaining interpretation of the character that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Puppetry Magic and Ensemble Brilliance
One of the trickiest aspects of adapting 101 Dalmatians for the stage is, of course, the sheer number of dogs involved. The clever use of puppetry in this production truly deserves a mention. The puppets of Pongo, Perdita, and their pups were so intricately designed that they felt alive, with every wag of the tail and tilt of the head adding to the emotional weight of the scenes.
The puppeteers did a fantastic job blending seamlessly with the rest of the cast, and it was clear that a lot of effort went into ensuring the dogs’ movements were as lifelike as possible. It was a joy to watch the interaction between the human characters and the Dalmatians, and the audience was completely captivated by the charm of the puppies.
The ensemble cast also delivered top-notch performances, adding layers of humour, heart, and energy throughout the show. The choreography was playful and creative, particularly during the large musical numbers involving the entire cast.
A Family-Friendly Spectacle
What I loved most about 101 Dalmatians the Musical was how it catered to all ages. Whether you’re a child experiencing the story for the first time or an adult with fond memories of the original film, there’s something here for everyone. We saw so many little ones dressed up as Dalmatian pups and little girls with black and white wigs dressed as Cruella.
The catchy songs, dazzling costumes, and heartwarming message about family and friendship make it a perfect family day out.
101 Dalmatians the Musical UK Tour is a joyful, energetic, and visually captivating production that I would highly recommend. Kym Marsh’s portrayal of Cruella de Vil is reason enough to book tickets, but the whole cast and creative team deserve immense credit for bringing this classic story to the stage in such a delightful way.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of 101 Dalmatians or just looking for a fun and heartwarming show to enjoy with your family, this musical is a treat for the senses. Don’t miss it as it tours across the UK – you’re in for a paw-some time!
UK Tour Dates
Milton Keynes -Milton Keynes Theatre
Starring Kym Marsh
01 Oct - 05 Oct
Woking - New Victoria Theatre
Starring Kym Marsh
08 Oct - 12 Oct
Cardiff - New Theatre
Starring Kym Marsh
15 Oct - 19 Oct
Southampton - Mayflower Theatre
Starring Kym Marsh
22 Oct - 26 Oct
Aberdeen
His Majesty's Theatre
Starring Kym Marsh
29 Oct - 02 Nov
York - Grand Opera House
Starring Kym Marsh
05 Nov - 09 Nov
Glasgow - King's Theatre
Starring Faye Tozer
12 Nov - 16 Nov
Edinburgh - Playhouse
Starring Faye Tozer
19 Nov - 23 Nov
Oxford - New Theatre
Starring Kerry Ellis
03 Dec - 07 Dec
Brighton - Theatre Royal
Starring Kerry Ellis
17 Dec - 05 Jan
Have you seen 101 Dalmatians the Musical? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Michelle
