Last night (01/10), I had the pleasure of attending 101 Dalmatians (Directed by Bill Buckhurst) at Milton Keynes Theatre, and it was nothing short of a magical experience! The show was SPOT on! The entire production was a feast for the senses and is the perfect family-friendly show, full of fun, excitement, and charm.

For me, the highlight of the evening was Kim Marsh‘s captivating portrayal of the iconic Cruella de Vil. She was outstanding! Kim brought a fresh, fierce energy to the role, seamlessly blending the character’s wickedness with a touch of humour that had the audience both on edge and laughing in equal measure. Her commanding stage presence and impeccable delivery made her the perfect Cruella. From her grand entrance to her scheming antics, she was the villain you loved to hate. I absolutely loved her!

Kym Marsh as Cruella De Vil

Alongside Cruella, were her comical sidekicks Jasper (played by Danny Hendrix) and Casper (played by Charles Brunton). Both delivered standout performances. They were entertaining throughout, and their charm, comedy timing, and chemistry elevated the show, making their characters very memorable.

Tom (played by Samuel Thomas) and Danielle (played by Jessie Elland) The kind-hearted owners of Pongo and Perdita, were loveable characters throughout, together, they brought a perfect blend of warmth and humour to the stage, leaving the audience rooting for their success from start to finish.

The leading duo, Pongo (played by Linford Johnson) and Perdita (played by Emma Thornett), were simply wonderful. Their chemistry as the caring Dalmatian parents was superb. They both handled the balance of playful humour and sincere emotion beautifully, creating two characters that felt real and relatable.

The puppetry was nothing short of brilliant and another one of my highlights of the show. The Dalmatian puppets were incredibly lifelike, with smooth, fluid movements that captured the essence of real dogs. The talented puppeteers did an outstanding job, seamlessly blending into the background while bringing the dogs’ playful and expressive personalities to life. They made it look easy to operate the puppets, knowing how difficult puppetry is, I was extremely impressed!

101 Dalmatians: The Musical

The music led by the very talented Musical director Leigh Stanford Thompson was lively and catchy, perfectly capturing the playful, adventurous spirit of the story. Each song felt thoughtfully crafted to match the characters’ personalities and emotions, with standout numbers for Cruella de Vil that showcased her dramatic flair. The music also added a sense of warmth and heart during the Dalmatian family moments, making it both emotionally engaging and fun.

The choreography by Lucy Hind was vibrant and energetic, perfectly complementing the lively nature of the show. From Cruella’s dramatic, stylish movements to the playful antics of the Dalmatians, the choreography was both energetic and creative. The ensemble moved seamlessly, with each dance number adding excitement and fun to the story. The way the dog puppetry was incorporated into the choreography was especially clever, bringing the dalmatians to life.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic story or new to it, this production is a delightful treat that will leave you smiling long after the final curtain falls. Kim Marsh’s brilliant performance as Cruella de Vil is reason enough to catch this fantastic show! You would be barking mad to miss it! It was PAWsitively delightful!