Based on an adaptation of Dodie Smith’s book by Zinnie Harris, this particular version of 101 Dalmatians the Musical has been on an interesting journey. Previously on at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2022, 101 Dalmatians the Musical is now embarking (pun intended) on a major UK tour before it makes a darling return to at the Eventim Apollo next year. Now running at the New Theatre Oxford, I was personally excited to see it because it marked the debut of West End star Kerry Ellis as Cruella de Vil.
With music by actor Douglas Hodge and direction by Bill Buckhurst, does this tour of 101 Dalmatians the Musical make me go barking mad, or does it make me want to skin the next puppy I see alive and turn it into a belt?
I was gifted a ticket in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
101 Dalmatians the Musical
Cast
- Cruella De Vil: Kerry Ellis
- Pongo: Benedict Hastings (u/s)
- Perdi: Emma Thornett
- Tom: Samuel Thomas
- Danielle: Jessie Elland
- Casper: Charles Brunton
- Jasper: Danny Hendrix
Rating: ★★★
What is 101 Dalmatians The Musical about?
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.
What are my thoughts on 101 Dalmatians?
I must preface this by saying that if you’re going into 101 Dalmatians the Musical expecting a stage adaptation of the Disney animated movie to put that way immediately. Taking the overall premise and plot beats from both the book and other adaptations, Zinnie Harris’ version with a book by Johnny McKnight modernises the story and makes some switches i.e. Tom being an aspiring fashion designer and Danielle running a dog shelter. While it’s great seeing an adaptation do its own thing, my main issue lies in the way in the way it’s handled.
While there are improvements from its Regent Park version like Cruella owning a lifestyle brand instead of being an influencer and Bill Buckhurst’s direction keeps the show fast paced filled with gags, the over the top tone ends up making it feel like a pantomime version of 101 Dalmatians exclusively for children. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that, but as a show aimed at the whole family, I feel there are some missed opportunities to add more edge that the adults can enjoy (and I don’t mean shoehorned references to Boris Johnson or Cruella being triggered). As a result it leaves some emotional scenes ringing hollow – except for a certain one that’s sure to melt your heart.
While Douglas Hodge is a talented performer, his music and lyrics for 101 Dalmatians the Musical feel too generic for my taste. There are a couple of bright sparks with Bring Me Fur, Litterbugs and W.W.D.D, but besides them, the rest don’t feel creative nor memorable enough to stick with me.
That doesn’t mean that there’s absolutely nothing to appreciate in 101 Dalmatians the Musical. The saving graces for me are easily the visuals and puppetry and cast (which we’ll get to in a second). David Woodhead and Sarah Mercade’s over the top set design and costumes are bursting with colour with a children’s storybook feel, even if I feel they could’ve added flamboyance to Cruella’s ensembles and home. Jimmy Grimes’ puppet design is a massive upgrade from the unintentionally lewd versions from Regent’s Park, and bring so much personality to the animals that it’s easy to forget the actors handling them.
What’s the cast like?
Previously played by Kym Marsh and Faye Tozer in other touring venues, West End darling Kerry Ellis swaps a pointy hat and broomstick for a fur coat and black and white wig in a wickedly divine performance. Going full diva in act one and while adding plenty of snark and funny one-liners, what I found a delight is how much she embrace Cruella’s utter mania in act two with a Wicked Witch quality. That’s on top of her powerhouse vocals which are always a delight to listen to, especially in her in her act one closer For the Love of Fur that’s not too dissimilar to that other musical she’s well known for.
Jessie Elland and Samuel Thomas have charm as couple Danielle and bumbling and awkward Tom, even with their characters’ one-note personalities who end up being sidelined for the majority of act two. Charles Brunton and Danny Hendrix are both comedic gold as Cruella’s henchmen nephews Casper and Jasper respectively, especially when they develop a fondness for a certain spotless puppy.
As for the titular canine companions, Emma Thornett brings maternal warmth to Perdita while cover Benedict Hastings is a tad more level-headed yet still lovable as Pongo. It is admittedly frustrating having the puppies only credited as ensemble (I assume they rotate the roles), but from what I gathered based on the headshots, Hugo Rolland played Spud, Jasmine Triadi played Button, and Victoria Compson-Bradford played Patch. All of them are a delight and bring such personality to each puppy individually.
What are my overall thoughts?
There’s plenty of charm to be found that children will enjoy in 101 Dalmatians the Musical thanks to a wickedly divine performance by Kerry Ellis and creative puppetry. It’s a shame that the material and songs end up bogging them down. While the production fits very well as a UK tour and is a great alternative Christmas show to take your kids to, I do question how the production is going to fare in such a massive venue as the Eventim Apollo next year.
101 Dalmatians the Musical runs at the New Theatre Oxford until December 7th. Buy your tickets here.
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