Following its original run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 101 Dalmatians bounds back onto the stage at the Eventim Apollo in a newly overhauled production, and it’s all the better for it. This vibrant reimagining of Dodie Smith’s beloved tale, adapted by Zinnie Harris with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight, is a tail-wagging treat that balances heart, humour, and high-energy spectacle.
Under Bill Buckhurst’s direction, the story now flows with greater clarity, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with its characters. The plot remains faithful to the original: when fashion-obsessed villain Cruella De Vil hatches a plan to turn Dalmatian puppies into a fur coat, it’s up to Pongo and Perdi (and their human companions) to save the day. But this version adds a modern theatrical flair, with dazzling puppetry, catchy songs, and a bold visual style that keeps both children and adults thoroughly entertained.
The production’s most striking improvement lies in its tone. While still delightfully over-the-top, it now feels more grounded in its storytelling, making the emotional beats land more effectively. The musical numbers are a particular highlight, with a pleasing mix of tempos and styles that keep the energy high. The Act One finale is a standout, thanks in part to James Whiteside’s dynamic lighting design, which pulses in sync with the music’s infectious rhythm.
Sydnie Christmas, fresh from her Britain’s Got Talent win, is a revelation as Cruella De Vil. Her powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp comic timing make her a magnetic presence, and a villain that the kids in the audience just love to hate.
Laura Baldwin brings warmth and charm to Danielle, forming a sweet and believable pairing with Samuel Thomas’s earnest Tom. Jeff Brazier and Aston Merrygold, as the bumbling henchmen Casper and Jasper, lean into the characters’ pantomime roots with gusto, providing plenty of laughs for younger audience members.
But it’s the puppetry that truly steals the show. Designed by Jimmy Grimes, the dogs are brought to life with such skill and personality that it’s easy to forget they’re not real. Linford Johnson and Emma Thornett, as Pongo and Perdi, lead the canine cast with grace, while Dylan Collymore’s Spud emerges as a scene-stealing pup in the second act.
David Woodhead’s set design is brighter and bolder than in the show’s previous incarnation, effortlessly transporting us from a cramped London flat to Cruella’s menacing lair. Sarah Mercadé’s costumes, particularly Cruella’s outrageous ensembles, add a layer of visual delight.
101 Dalmatians is a fun, heartfelt family musical that delivers on all fronts. With its touching message about love, loyalty, and standing up to cruelty, it’s a show that resonates across generations. Younger audiences will revel in the puppy-powered adventure, while adults will find themselves laughing, cheering, and perhaps even shedding a tear.
