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This week 101 Dalmatians has come to Norwich Theatre Royal as part of the UK tour! We got to see the show on opening night; read on to find out what we thought!
About the show
Direct from London comes the smash hit family musical 101 Dalmatians.
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe 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 adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, witty songs and irresistible puppies!
Did we enjoy it?
101 Dalmations, a childhood favourite that many will think they know from the Disney film, or maybe the original novel. Now, a fantastic musical on stage, adults and children alike will enjoy from start to finish.
The story begins with poor Pongo being abandoned and taken to a dog rehoming centre, where Danielle works. She can’t resist Pongo and decides to adopt him. Not long after, she meets Tom, who also owns a wonderful dalmation called Perdita.
Tom is a fashion designer, desperate to get his designs out there. When a phone call with Cruella de Vil results in a meeting, Tom thinks his luck is about to change. Cruella only like wearing animal skin or fur though and as soon as she sees the dalmations, she wants them… and their puppies. When Tom and Danielle refuse to sell them to Cruella, she takes things into her own hands.
Faye Tozer shines as Cruella de Vil. Known, of course, for being in the pop band Steps, there was no doubt Tozer would pull off a great vocal performance. However, what she really excelled at was the characterisation of de Vil. There was just that right amount of craziness and being unhinged, as well as commanding the stage every time Cruella appeared.
What I wasn’t expecting to love so much was the puppetry. The show started with an adorable number, featuring the dogs that need rehoming, as well as their new owners. The ensemble cast who control the puppets are phenomenal and although they are in the background, they make those animals have personality and show off the traits specific to that breed of dog.
Although a show suitable for children, there are quite a lot of dark elements in the show. This includes the quite obvious murder of dogs and other animals, stealing animals and family issues. It seemed as though the children sat around us in the theatre were fine however, a younger audience might find some of these scenes quite distressing.
The audience is really brought into the show too, with Tom and Danielle looking for the puppies in both the stalls and the circle. No matter where you’re sat, you get to feel the panic as the characters run around with torches, looking for their beloved dogs. If this is your child’s first theatre experience, they’re going to remember it forever.
Don’t miss 101 Dalmatians while it’s on in Norwich until 13th July 2024.