Musicals fan? Dog lover? The new musical version of 101 Dalmatians might just hit the spot when it visits Milton Keynes Theatre this week.
Fashionista Cruella de Vil is determined to dognap all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat. There’s trouble ahead for proud pooch parents Pongo and Perdi and their litter of spotty pups.
The classic canine caper will be brought to all-singing, all-dancing, tail-wagging life on stage. Theatregoers of all ages are invited to enjoy spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, witty songs and irresistible puppies.
This new musical is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris based on the 1956 children’s novel by Dodie Smith. It is reimagined from the 2022 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production.
The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind (Girl From The North Country). Considering the number of pups in this story, theatregoers can expect plenty of puppets – these are designed by Jimmy Grimes (War Horse).
Actor, presenter and singer Kym Marsh is starring as Cruella de Vil for performances in Milton Keynes.
Kym will be joined by Charles Brunton (Casper), Victoria Compton-Bradford (Swing), Ross Dorrington (Ensemble), Benjamin Durham (Ensemble), Jessie Elland (Danielle), Benedict Hastings (Ensemble), Danny Hendrix (Jasper), Linford Johnson (Pongo), Lottie Johnson (Ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (Ensemble), Tom Norman (Ensemble), Hugo Rolland (Ensemble), Lindo Shinda (Ensemble), Eugene Shire (Swing), Samuel Thomas (Tom), Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Jasmine Triadi (Ensemble).
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval.
Age guidance: 5+
*Production photography by Johan Persson.
101 Dalmatians is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October 2024. The UK tour continues until 5 January 2025.
This preview is also featured on Total MK.
Update 2 October 2024: Read my review of 101 Dalmatians at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Georgina Butler is an editor, a dance writer and a ballet teacher.
