101 Dalmatians the Musical at Hammersmith Apollo

101 Dalmatians the Musical at Hammersmith Apollo | Theatre review

25^th July 2025

25 July 2025

101 Dalmatians the Musical, adapted from 2009 Broadway hit The 101 Dalmatians Musical, adapted from haughty 1996 live-action feature film 101 Dalmatians, adapted from the classic 1961 animated feature film 101 Dalmatians, adapted from 1956 Dodie Smith novel 101 Dalmatians, is as delightfully – verging on relentlessly – twee as its extensive ancestry promises.

Many of the original Disney film’s most charming sequences are faithfully retained – tangled up in dog leads with a future lifelong love, anyone? – but this characterful production is, on the whole, a daring departure from its many predecessors. Cruella de Vil (Sydnie Christmas) might just be the most bombastic Cruella yet, with Christmas’s delivery seldom dipping below gale force five. The inept henchmen in her employ on this occasion: her bumbling nephews Casper and Jasper, brought to life with some comic aptitude by Jeff Brazier and Aston Merrygold, finding moderate chemistry in the oh so natural combination of former I’m a Celebrity presenter and member of boy band JLS. A trio of conscientious cats adorn this version of the narrative, led by the charmingly brusque Tabby (Lottie Johnson), rounding off an extensive and impressive company of puppets; the puppetry, both in creation and performance, being a standout facet of the show.

Perhaps some small degree of vocal aptitude was sacrificed in pursuit of such adept puppeteers among the cast, but a series of animal-only scenes and corresponding numbers in the show’s second act delve into a place both genuinely soulful and emotive. Douglas Hodge’s songs are a mixed bunch on the whole, but do generally carry a good dose of individuality.

While intricate wit was never on the cards, this spectacle’s humour does stray into the realm of coarse quite readily, which does stunt the near brilliance of 101 Dalmatians the Musical, though it stands up as a ceaselessly lively evening of entertainment.

★★★★★

Will Snell
Photos: Johan Persson

101 Dalmatians the Musical is at Hammersmith Apollo from 18^th July until 30^th August 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.