If you hear strange sounds coming from Milton Keynes Theatre this week it’s the audiences yapping like dogs because 101 Dalmatians – The Musical is here and they want to see you. This classic Disney film is now a musical and what a fabulous show it is.
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups. This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
The first scene is beyond cute and if you don’t already have a dog you may want to adopt a puppy after this. I also loved the scene where Danielle and Tom meet in the park. They are just perfect for each other. But the truth is we are all waiting for Cruella De Vil and boy does she bring it. Kym Marsh is totally fabulous. She owns the stage with her attitude, sass and style. The role allows Kym to show off her voice and she is just phenomenal and she has given Cruella a posh voice which is a million miles away from her character, Nicky in Waterloo Road. I loved her outfits and would wear those designs myself (obviously not made of animals). Loved the cutting way she tells Danielle that crocs aren’t fashion. I totally agree. What a true star Kym is. Loved, Loved, Loved her. By the way, Cruella has a fashion house called Haus of De Vil. I was today years old when I realised that De Vil is devil…well who thinks about that when watching the Disney film as a child?
Danielle is a bit geeky and loves animals. Jessie Elland plays her perfectly and her manner and singing voice is perfect. Her partner Tom is played by Samuel Thomas and he is equally perfect in the role. Both timid but blissfully happy with their family of dogs. The puppeteers are all fabulous. You forget they are there and believe the characters of Pongo and Perdi and their 15 puppies. The dogs sing so these are extremely talented puppeteers. Casper (Charles Brunton) and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) could be the ugly sisters if it were panto – they are both brilliant as bumbling nephews of Cruella De Vil.
Kym Marsh said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil, has there ever been a more fabulous baddie?! Obviously she’s a million miles away from me in real life - and my dogs are very glad about that - but being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I'm sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production."
At times it had a distinct panto feel to it, but as someone who loves panto (oh yes, I do). I enjoyed the obvious jokes. Please note that this show starts at 7pm and not 7.30pm. You don’t want to miss that opening scene.
101 Dalmatians – The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 5 October. It’s a tail wagging adventure.
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