101 Dalmatians musical review – a shining star in a less-than-spotless production

There’s genuine excitement entering the Eventim Apollo’s sprawling auditorium. Dog-themed pop classics fill the air – from “Hound Dog” to “(How Much Is) That Doggy in the Window” – while faux searchlights cast bone-shaped patterns across the walls. The neon-tinged stage, dominated by an illuminated logo within a glowing arch, promises pop concert energy.

This is 101 Dalmatians the Musical (distinct from 2006’s The 101 Dalmatians Musical), the Regent’s Park production, revamped in 2024 and now settling down in London after a nationwide tour. Unfortunately, that initial concert atmosphere evaporates the moment the lights dim, revealing how misplaced those heightened expectations truly are.

The familiar story unfolds as expected: Pongo (Linford Johnson) and Perdi (Emma Thornett) are two Dalmatian parents whose 15 puppies are kidnapped by fashion-obsessed villain Cruella De Vil (Sydnie Christmas). Along with 84 other stolen pups destined for fur coats, they’re imprisoned at Cruella’s estate while their owners, Danielle (Laura Baldwin) and Tom (Samuel Thomas), join the rescue mission.

Johnny McKnight’s book, adapted from Zinnie Harris’ stage version of Dodie Smith’s novel, hews closely to Disney’s beloved films. While delivering what audiences expect, it feels overly saccharine, with contemporary references and attempted humor that succeed only sporadically. More problematically, Douglas Hodge‘s score offers little memorable material; songs that interrupt rather than enhance the narrative, providing neither emotional depth nor compelling melodies.

The cast proves workmanlike at best, with one glorious exception. Christmas devours the stage as the original Devil in Prada, delivering deliciously camp pantomime villainy. Her over-the-top performance, enhanced by equally outrageous costumes and a powerhouse voice, provides the production’s only genuine spark.

JLS singer Aston Merrygold holds his own as one of De Vil’s bumbling nephews, while TV presenter Jeff Brazier gamely tackles the other nephew despite looking decidedly out of place.

The production’s undisputed stars are the Dalmatians themselves. Jimmy Grimes’ hand-controlled puppets achieve remarkably lifelike movement with wonderfully expressive emotional touches.

101 Dalmatians the Musical looks undeniably lovely but has surrendered its emotional core. In the rare moments where genuine feeling threatens to emerge, it’s too little, too late. You’re left pondering how magnificent this could be if that missing heart beat throughout, rather than wondering when the spectacle will finally move you.