A cute and charming musical version of 101 Dalmations starring Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh is delighting audiences in Birmingham.
101 Dalmations is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
Author Dodie Smith penned her book 101 Dalmations way back in 1956 and it led to a famous animated film from the Walt Disney studio in 1961 which still continues to inspire filmmakers and theatre directors.
Disney even produced a huge blockbuster live-action film based around Cruella de Vil, the baddie from Smith’s book, in 2021 which starred Emma Stone.
The Runaway Entertainment stage musical, which is adapted by Zinnie Harris, is a sparkling production that does justice to Smith’s story of dalmation couple Pongo and Perdi whose newly born puppies are snatched away by Cruella’s henchmen. The villainous Cruella has a nefarious plan to turn the cute puppies into coats.
The family musical packs in some topical points about animal rights and the fashion industry while entertaining the audience with some melodious singing and infectious dancing which is choreographed by Lucy Hind.
The music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, with book by Johnny McKnight, are full of emotion and beautiful nuance. Each song - such as the poignant and haunting Take Me Home - drives the narrative forward without the need of a narrator or a sudden scene change.
Director Bill Buckhurst generates excitement and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as the story moves from the warmth of Pongo and Perdi’s comfortable fireplace to the cold abandoned building where the dalmation puppies are being held prisoner.
The clever, and ingenious, use of puppets by Jimmy Grimes is an absolute masterstroke in this show. The artistry of the puppetry, and the way movement is employed, are wondrous and magical. This is theatre craft at its very best.
The set design by David Woodhead is bold and beautiful. The show transports the audience from a junkyard to a pet shop, which forms the early parts of the tale, to the dramatic climax inside Cruella’s creepy mansion.
The cast have immense fun with this musical and each member of the team performs admirably.
Samuel Thomas and Jessie Elland take on the roles of Tom and Danielle who own Pongo and Perdi. Thomas and Elland bring a freshness to their role as a newly married couple, and the comedy aspects of their relationship are highlighted with wit and charm and it contrasted beautifully with the love shared between Pong and Perdi who are played with by Linford Johnson and Emma Thornett who both share a lovely chemistry.
The central role of Cruella de Vil is played to the hilt by Coronation Street star Kym Marsh. She taps into Cruella’s dark side with a naughty deliciousness. Her vocals are polished - she was part of British pop group Hear’Say - and her acting ability really bolsters the character with details that makes Cruella more than a just cartoonish caricature.
101 Dalmations - The Musical is a heartwarming and delightful family show full of theatrical magic.
Verdict: ★★★★★
101 Dalmations - The Musical is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 6 July
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