101 Dalmatians the Musical at Curve – Review – Pukaar News • News agency based in Leicester

A huge round of paws for this brilliant and roaring musical, currently running at the Curve theatre, Leicester.

101 Dalmatians is a treat for children and dog lovers alike, who will be captivated by the amazing animal puppets on stage. The puppeteers do a brilliant job of bringing the puppets to life, especially the main characters of Pongo and Perdi – the two Dalmatians of the story. Voiced by Emma Thornett and Benedict Hastings, these two beautiful creations could almost pass for real dogs on stage (if you squint a little!).

Their movement and mannerisms were quite convincing and were made possible by the exquisite skill of the puppeteers behind them.

Another puppeteer who really impressed me when I saw the show on Tuesday night (July 23), was the actress behind ‘Tabby’ – a sly, sly feline who helps Dalmatian puppies to eventual freedom. I felt she did a great job of articulating her doll and she pretty much lived up to it – bringing it to life with crisp movements, hypnotic head turns and tail flicks that were truly mesmerizing.

For those unfamiliar with the story of 101 Dalmatians, which has been around since the 50s, it tells the story of a pair of Dalmatian dogs as they search across London for their litter of fifteen puppies, who were stolen by the evil Cruella DeVil to make clothes dog skin.

Played by the fabulous Faye Tozer, Cruella is the play’s iconic villain. As she slips into leather pants and thigh-high boots, you can tell the former Steps star is having a ball on stage – embodying the evil that’s so far removed from her everyday persona. In Steps, she was known as the sweet-smiling blonde, complete with cherubic curls and a bright, cherry-lipped grin. Being a huge fan of the band in the 90s, it was fun to see this side of Faye and see her in her element – having so much fun as the “bad girl”!

She gets every chuckle — every biting, vicious insult smothered with aplomb. Of course, the vocals are to die for, and she hits impressive belts and high notes with ease.

The story of 101 Dalmatians is peppered with heartfelt moments, humor and important lessons for children, such as the importance of sticking to your morals and leaving no one behind. Although it’s a little panto-ish in nature (with corny jokes and audience participation aplenty), it’s a lot of fun!

It’s a charming, feel-good musical with a fabulous fur-tailed ending – one that’s sure to leave a huge smile on your face and plenty of paw-tenderness in your heart long after the curtains close!

Catch 101 Dalmatians at Curve until Saturday 27th July

For tickets visit: https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/101-dalmatians/

By Louise Steele

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
WhatsApp
Messenger
Viber
E-mail