101 Dalmatians
Milton Keynes Theatre
1st October 2024
A musical adaptation of ‘101 Dalmatians’ has been playing our regional stages over the last few months, having first been seen in Regent’s Park in 2022. With a score by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight, the show previously attempted to modernise Dodie Smith’s classic tale, with mixed results. This time around, we’re back on traditionally familiar territory, with its recognisably iconic villain and a band of plucky pooches with more puppy-dog eyes than you can possibly resist. The show is playing this week at Milton Keynes Theatre, and hopes to bring out the child and animal lover in all of us.
Credit:: Johan Persson
Tom (Samuel Thomas) and Danielle (Jessie Elland) meet one day while out walking their dotty dogs Pongo (puppeteered and voiced by Linford Johnson) and Perdi (Emma Thornett). The attraction is instant for both sets of couples, and they soon find themselves as a family. Tom’s fashion designs get him a chance to pitch ideas to the Haus Of De Vil, run by the infamous Cruella (Kym Marsh). Cruella’s insatiable desire for real animal fur in her clothing hits a new high when she sees Pongo and Perdi and learns that a litter of puppies is on the way. Cruella offers to buy the puppies, but seeing her wicked intentions, Tom and Danielle refuse. Enraged, Cruella orders her bumbling nephews Casper (Charles Brunton) and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) to dognap the spotted pooches so that she can make herself a coat that no-one will ever forget.
Proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks, this reworked version of ‘101 Dalmatians’ now feels far more assured thanks to some sharp direction by Bill Buckhurst and a clearer sense of what it is, and realising it doesn’t need to radically reinvent its source material in order to be relevant. The focus has been put back where it should be, and while Smith’s timeless story will always be engaging, Johnny McKnight’s book adds wit and warmth to it, along with some delicious dark humour for Cruella which really works. Pace is much improved as the story no longer spends too much time on the humans and instead focuses on the dogs and Cruella (which will undeniably be what the audience cares more about). Douglas Hodge’s score has had some reworking too, with some of the original weaker songs being replaced and the stronger ones remaining (“Litterbugs”, “One Hundred And One”), and overall it feels more confident and cohesive, with more catchy hooks and memorable melodies.
The show looks great, full of personality and colour thanks to some wonderful set design from David Woodhead. The puppetry (designed by Jimmy Grimes) also looks fantastic and is delivered beautifully, nuanced and charming with invention and personality. As with other productions of this type (‘Animal Farm’, ‘The Life Of Pi’), any fears that the puppeteers detract from the magic are soon dispersed. The actors quickly blend seamlessly with their animals, and little kids and big kids alike will believe that Pongo and Perdi are alive and talking in front of them.
The role of Cruella is being shared across the tour, between Faye Tozer, Kerry Ellis, and Kym Marsh, and it’s Marsh who dons the wig in Milton Keynes this week. She’s certainly a strong actress with a commanding stage presence and one heck of an evil cackle. Vocally she’s not quite as impressive, competent rather than thrilling, but kids will love her all the same. Samuel Thomas and Jessie Elland do well as Tom and Danielle, bringing likeability to their roles despite not being able to do a great deal with them. Other performance props need to go to Emma Thornett and Linford Johnson, who provide the voices of Perdi and Pongo while also puppeteering the canine characters, and the rest of the talented ensemble performers. Collectively they provide real personality and heart to the animals, and even though it’s done so well that they start to become almost unseen, their contribution and presence is most certainly felt throughout.
A colourful and fun musical, ‘101 Dalmatians’ has plenty of bark and bite to knock your spots off and make it a great watch for all the family. It’s clear how much work has gone into tightening the show over the last couple of years, and it’s all the better for it.
‘101 Dalmatians’ runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 5th October 2024 before continuing on its UK tour through to January 2025.
Cast note – The role of Cruella De Vil is shared across the tour by Faye Tozer, Kym Marsh and Kerry Ellis. Check local venue listings for details.
Performance run time 2 hours 10 minutes including interval
