If you’re ready for a charming trip down memory lane that will have you grinning from ear to ear, 101 Dalmatians the Musical is one not to miss. Playing at the New Theatre, Cardiff, from October 15-19, 2024, this show is a true delight for all ages.
I took my mum along for a nostalgic evening, and it was a real full-circle moment for us. Growing up on a farm in Ynys Môn, we used to watch the original film on cold, rainy autumn nights, wrapped in blankets with the rain tapping at the window. As a child, I had never seen a Dalmatian in real life—only sheepdogs, Jack Russells, and Labradors. To me, Dalmatians seemed like magical creatures conjured up for the screen. It wasn’t until years later, on a beach in West Wales, that I saw my first Dalmatian, its spots glistening in the sun. My heart soared, and that same sense of joy bubbled up as I watched this playful, heartwarming production.
The plot follows the classic tale of Pongo and Perdi, two brave Dalmatians who team up to rescue their kidnapped puppies from the notorious Cruella de Vil, played by none other than Kym Marsh, known from Hear’Say and Coronation Street. Marsh’s portrayal of Cruella is deliciously wicked, with her sharp comebacks and over-the-top fashion sense stealing every scene she’s in. She brings just the right mix of glamour and menace to the role, making Cruella a villain you love to hate.
The set is charmingly cartoonish, capturing the essence of the original film, and the use of puppetry to represent the various dog breeds is simply adorable. The audience melted when a real Dalmatian trotted on stage—cue the biggest collective “Awww” of the night!
The show balances nostalgia and fun, keeping the kids thoroughly entertained with its light-hearted adventure and bursts of silly humor. The villains, led by Cruella and her bumbling henchmen, had us in stitches with their over-the-top antics, while the sweet moments between Pongo and Perdi hit all the right emotional notes. The classic scenes are all there too—Cruella maniacally driving her luxury car, and the ‘Twilight Bark’.
The music is catchy, with the song “Take Me Home” sticking in my head for the journey home. I did miss the original “Cruella de Vil” tune, but the new songs still brought a lot of energy to the show, especially for younger audiences.
While the show might run a little slower than adults expect, it’s perfect for keeping the little ones captivated. And even if you’re just a kid at heart, it’s hard not to fall in love all over again with these iconic, spotty heroes.
Overall, 101 Dalmatians the Musical brings that same childhood joy I felt seeing my first Dalmatian on the beach. It’s a family-friendly, feel-good show that will have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face—and maybe even dreaming of getting a Dalmatian of your own!
Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th October 2024
New Theatre Cardiff
