Review: 101 Dalmations at Newcastle Theatre Royal
Newcastle Theatre Royal – 27th September 2024
Review by Stephen Stokoe
As a fan of the 1961 Disney animated movie and the subsequent 1996 live action remake of 101 Dalmatians, I approached this production with an equal sense of trepidation and intrigue as to how a stage musical would work. I need not have had any concerns because in the hands of this very talented cast, some amazing puppets and a wonderful score by musical theatre legend, Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight, they not only satisfy every inch of the Disney favourites but also add and improve on them.
The story concerns a couple of love lorn dog owners who, having found each other, set up home with their respective four-legged friends in their small apartment somewhere in old London Town. In this version, Perdi’s owner is Tom, a struggling fashion designer who crosses paths with the highly successful fashion icon, Cruella De Vil who sets her sights on the litter of puppies, to whom Perdi will shortly give birth.
When Tom and his new partner, Danielle, refuse her demands, she sets her nephews, Casper and Jasper to steal the puppies by any means necessary in order to make a most monstrous outfit for her ever growing collection.
Kym Marsh of Hear’Say and Coronation Street fame takes on the iconic role of the dastardly and demonic Cruella De Vil with a joyous glee that is equally joyous to watch. Despite her villainous ways, it is very difficult not to take to her with some wonderful and quick one-liners and her magnificent costumes.
Unlike many of Disney’s output in the period, there are very few recognisable songs in 101 Dalmatians but Douglas Hodge has composed some brilliant numbers to add depth and breadth to a rather threadbare story from the Disney films. I really enjoyed the opening which will tug at the heart-strings of even the most hard hearted and the comedy numbers ‘Contemplate the Criminal’, ‘Fúr Fur’ and ‘What the Bleep’ keep the action flowing in a audio/visual spectacle that would be hard to describe without spoiling it for anyone who has yet to see it.
A lot of the cast are merely described as Ensemble in the programme which is unfair for the sheer amount work that these very talented performers and puppet wranglers put in to this demanding show. The vocals are outstanding from start to finish and the characterisation of the three featured puppies quite astounding.
It does not surprise me at all that puppet designer and director, Jimmy Grimes, is credited as working on War Horse because the puppies were quite exquisite but a special mention has to go to the cats, whose movement was simply divine. James Whiteside and Chris Whybrow as Lighting and Sound Designers respectively have done an amazing job including the challenge of having puppets and actors in the auditorium at various points in the show.
There is clearly a great deal of thought and work gone into the set, props and every technical aspect of this show which allows it to flow freely. There are some lovely touches which just add to the spectacle and I cannot give a higher praise than that to the entire cast and production team.
Kym Marsh is clearly living her best life in the role of Cruella De Vil and knocks the spots off in this rip roaring musical adventure for the whole family. I also want to highlight the comic relief sidekicks of Caspar (Charles Brunton) and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) who add a delicious camp addition to the story the audience members may be expecting. It really works. Jessie Eland is adorable as the well-meaning but ditsy Danielle and Samuel Thomas gels beautifully as her rather wet but equally well-meaning boyfriend, Tom. If I have not mentioned an actor by name then they should not be offended. 101 Dalmatians is very much an ensemble piece and it would not be the glorious triumph I have seen this evening without any single one of them. It is a production done very well indeed.
101 Dalmatians plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday 1stSeptember and I cannot recommend or praise it highly enough for its energy, wonderful music, comedy and some very innovative puppetry and staging.