Review: 101 Dalmatians the musical | UK Tour, Glasgow 2024

Name: 101 Dalmatians the musical
Brand: UK Tour
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

Lisa in the theatre
Nov 14, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Jul 20

101 Dalmatians the musical ★★★★☆

Music and Lyrics by Douglas Hodge | Book by Johnny McKnight

From a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris | Based on the original novel by Dodie Smith

Directed by Bill Buckhurst

Review: The King's Theatre, Glasgow | 12 November 2024

The King's Theatre in Glasgow this week plays host to a litter of adorable, singing, tail-wagging Dalmatian puppies and their iconic adversary, Cruella de Vil (Faye Tozer). In a brand-new stage musical written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), the beloved story of One Hundred and One Dalmatians is brought to life on stage with hilarious songs and incredible puppetry.

"When evil fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to steal all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of lovable young pups."

101 Dalmatians cast. Photo credit: Johann Persson

What to expect from 101 Dalmatians the musical

101 Dalmatians the musical opens in a dog rescue centre. Rows of bedraggled pups peer out of their cages and sing the touching, yet comical "Take Me Home." It's one of the funniest and cutest openings to a musical I've seen in a long time and it sets the tone for the show perfectly. I didn't really know what to expect from 101 Dalmatians the musical, but from the moment these disheveled, colourful puppets started singing and bopping along to the catchy tune, I was reminded of all the best musical numbers from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Avenue Q and I knew we were in for a good night.

The story, written by panto legend Johnny McKnight from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, takes us from Pongo (Linford Johnson)'s initial rescue by the kind-hearted Tom (Samuel Thomas) to his meeting Perdi (Emma Thornett) and her owner Danielle (Jessie Elland), to the birth of their puppies and their experience with the villain of the tale, the wicked Cruella de Vil.

Throughout it all, the story is told from the dog's point of view. These clever Dalmatians talk! They sing, they plan, they are wonderful central characters. And their dialogue, as you would expect from the pen of acclaimed comedy writer McKnight, is hilarious and perfectly pitched to amuse both children and adults.

101 Dalmatians cast and puppets. Photo credit: Johann Persson

So many adorable puppets!

The full ensemble cast here are incredible. 101 Dalmatians the musical has more puppets than I've ever seen on a stage at the one time and they are all beautifully managed and brought to boisterous life by a multi-skilled cast.

Not only do the humans hunch over to ensure that every paw is perfectly placed, they also provide the voices and wonderful singing voices for the animals. [Minor spoiler: there is a cat] I actually gasped when the cat burst into song! - it was so unexpectedly powerful and refined. Every animal was handled to the same high standard by an exceptionally talented cast.

Bringing lots of silliness to the show, Cruella's human sidekicks; the dastardly duo of Casper (Charles Brunton) and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) were huge favourites with the kids in the crowd for their physical comedy antics and absurdity. So much fun.

Casper (Charles Brunton) and Jasper (Danny Hendrix) in 101 Dalmatians the musical. Photo credit: Johann Persson — Casper (Charles Brunton) & Jasper (Danny Hendrix) in 101 Dalmatians the musical. Photo credit: Johann Persson

Faye Tozer stars as Cruella de Vil

Taking on the role of the iconic, outrageous Cruella de Vil in Glasgow, Steps legend Faye Tozer proves that she's a dynamic, accomplished leading lady. Her star power is undeniable, and she plays the villain with glee. Tozer's voice is powerful and she commands every one of her delicious scenes. Tozer is a devilishly fabulous de Vil.

Faye Tozer in 101 Dalmatians the musical. Photo credit: Matt Crockett

Barking mad

Although 101 Dalmatians the musical is essentially aimed at children, there's plenty in the script to keep adults entertained too. The production is polished, and the pacey book and superb direction that sees the cast make great use of all areas of the auditorium ensures that there's always something going on to captivate all ages.

The set does look a little flimsy at times but the costumes are colourful and the songs are (for the most-part) fun, upbeat and played by an enthusiastic live band. I was surrounded on all sides by small children when I went to see this show and all of them, without exception, were completely engrossed from start to finish. I don't think there can be any higher compliment.

101 Dalmatians the musical is barking mad at a times, and there are more than a few floating dog head puppets that hopefully won't traumatise the kids too much! But it doesn't take itself too seriously: Who cares if every dog has a body! I had a great time and I laughed all the way through.

Let's be honest, most of us have come to see the Dalmatians and in that aspect, 101 Dalmatians the musical fully delivers. The abundance of captivating Dalmatian puppy puppets on stage are an unforgettable delight. ★★★★☆

101 Dalmatians the musical plays at the King's Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 November 2024 and then Edinburgh Playhouse from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 November 2024. Jump to full UK Tour and London venue info for 101 Dalmatians the musical here

MORE: Steps musical cast announced - Read about the 'Here and Now' casting here

MORE: Steps musical UK tour announced - read more here

101 Dalmatians the musical Cast - UK Tour 2024

Cruella de Vil Faye Tozer

Casper Charles Brunton

Danielle Jessie Elland

Jasper Danny Hendrix

Pongo Linford Johnson

Tom Samuel Thomas

Perdi Emma Thornett

For the full list of ensemble cast see: https://101dalmatians.co.uk/cast/

Faye Tozer said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil, has there ever been a more fabulous baddie?! Obviously she’s a million miles away from me in real life – I’m a real dog lover - but being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. Douglas and Johnny have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I'm sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production."