Cruella De-vil if she doesn’t scare you, not a thing will!

Grab your polka dots and prepare for an enchanting evening at the Grand Opera House Belfast as Cruella de Vil takes centre stage with her dastardly plot to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town! If you think you know the story from the classic 1956 novel by Dodie Smith or the Disney adaptations, think again! This dazzling new musical, featuring a vibrant fusion of puppetry, choreography, witty songs, and, of course, the most adorable puppies you’ll ever see, promises to be both a nostalgic return for fans and a fresh experience for newcomers alike.

Written by Douglas Hodge with a toe-tapping score and clever lyrics, this stage adaptation breathes new life into the beloved tale of Pongo, Perdi, and their mischievous litter. It’s a romp filled with humour, heart, and moments that might have you sitting on the edge of your seat, heart racing at the thought of Cruella’s fashionably fiendish schemes!

Kym Marsh, known for her television roles in “Waterloo Road” and “Coronation Street,” commands the stage as Cruella, exuding a truly formidable presence. Marsh’s powerful vocals bring a lively energy to the role of this panto-style villain, ensuring that her character is as captivating as she is wicked. The supporting cast shines just as brightly, with Jessie Elland and Samuel Thomas portraying the endearing characters of Danielle and Tom. Their chemistry lights up the stage, and the comedic flair added by Danny Hendrix and Charles Brunton as Jasper and Casper, Cruella's bumbling nephews, offers delightful moments of laughter that keep the audience engaged.

But the real stars of this show are the exquisite puppets that make Pongo, Perdi and the rest of the canine/feline characters come alive. Designed and directed by the talented Jimmy Grimes, the puppetry has been so expertly crafted that you’d be forgiven for momentarily forgetting the puppeteers are even on the stage. With hinged legs and wagging tails, the dogs’ movements feel remarkably lifelike. Linford Johnsonand Emma Thornett lend their talents not just in operating the puppets but also in voicing these beloved canine characters, ensuring that they bring an essence of personality that resonates with the audience.  

Pongo and Perdi’s puppies add yet another layer of charm to the production. Initially appearing as adorably stuffed toys, they soon spring to life as smaller puppets, bursting with energy and enthusiasm—an exciting transformation that left the younger audience members buzzing with excitement. It’s this kind of playful creativity that sets the stage for a fun-filled family experience.

For added fun, the production encourages audience participation; proudly wear your polka dots, and Dalmatian ears, and be sure to bring along your Dalmatian soft toys or even adopt one from the Merch stand! A heartwarming touch that makes the audience feel like part of the action is the final count of Dalmatians in attendance, ensuring that each guest helps to bolster the numbers to the magic 101 in this delightful escape narrative.

Throughout the show, I couldn’t help but earn those coveted uncle points, mesmerised with my nephew as he beamed from ear to ear. He was completely entranced by the puppetry, frequently erupting into laughter at the antics of the always-hungry puppy who comically needed to relieve himself, it was a moment that had the entire theatre in stitches and showcased the show's ability to entertain both children and adults alike. A totally adorable moment that stole the spotlight and left the audience melting with delight was when a real Dalmatian joined the ranks on stage.

The new staging of “101 Dalmatians” is a vibrant and heartwarming ode to a timeless tale. With its exceptional cast, clever puppetry, and infectious songs, this musical captures the essence of Dodie Smith’s classic story while infusing it with modern flair and irreverent humour. The enchanting world of Pongo, Perdi, and their delightful puppies is one well worth visiting, and you might just find yourself howling along by the end. So grab your tickets, unleash your inner fashionista, and prepare for a night of pawsitively fabulous entertainment!

101 Dalamations the Musical runs to 17th Aug 2024. For tickets and further info please visit www.goh.co.uk