Based on Dodie Smith’s beloved 1956 children’s novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians, this brand-new stage version written by Douglas Hodge (music & lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), largely faithfully follows what I recall of the book and Disney film.

The villainous Cruella De Vil decides she must have Dalmatian puppies to create the fashionista’s dream coat and will do whatever it takes to obtain them, leading to a heroic rescue sequence.

Samuel Thomas and Jessie Elland are splendid as the Dalmatian’s pets Tom and Danielle with some adorably clunky flirting, tripping over their words and themselves to secure a date. Rather than having pups run rampant on stage, the Dalmatians are all puppets designed by Jimmy Grimes and slickly controlled by the ensemble who manage to emulate every canine mannerism in the subtlest movement to tug at your heartstrings. Benedict Hastings and Emma Thornett do an excellent job as Pongo and Perdi, conveying their personalities and devotion to their family perfectly. It goes to show that nothing can top the real deal though as the best audience response by far went to the real puppy brought out for the finale!

Faye Tozer (known from Steps) as Cruella demands the limelight throughout the show with her expert level of villainous flair. From her flashy entrance number and attention seeking animal themed outfits (thanks to Sarah Mercadé), there’s no looking away from her wildly unhinged evil laughter. Her sidekick nephews, played by Danny Hendrix and Charles Brunton, are a comedic duo with their incompetence and misunderstandings, and eventual soft hearts.

While not particularly memorable after the event, Hodge’s music keeps the story moving nicely. There are some lovely moments where the melodies are echoed between human and animal to illustrate their connected stories, and the four voices blend beautifully.

David Woodhead’s set is simple but effective, with components wheeled in to transport the cast from park to flat, to De Vil manor. The finale is a stagecraft highlight with pyrotechnics galore, and of course a happy ending.

101 Dalmatians is a charmingly cutesy production, perfect for a paw-some family outing. Catch it at the Curve until 27th July 2024, https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/101-dalmatians/