101 DALMATIANS

Dodie Smith’s children’s book The Hundred and One Dalmatians was published in 1956, the year I was born and yet somehow it was not a part of my childhood. Nor was the 1961 Disney animation and it was only in 1996 when a live action film, based on the book, was released and starred Glenn Close as a very scary Cruella De Vil.  So I came to this recent musical incarnation with a fairly open mind, and being in that position I was able to absorb and enjoy what was presented. I did find it confusing that in the film the fashion designer was Roger’s partner Anita, now called Danielle, and Roger, originally a song writer, then a video game designer is now the fashion designer. I guess this what is known as artistic licence but for purists it must be somewhat confusing.

Anyway I am no purist so this new loosely based musical interpretation was a charming show for Christmas that was packed with spectacle and fun. The plot has some very dark moments for sure, a demonic fashionista hell bent of flaying 101 puppies to make a coat is not for the faint hearted and Kerry Ellis made no bones, forgive me, about portraying her as a sinister monster. And wow, can she sing, stalking the stage and belting out the songs with impressive power and presence.

But on that note I move to those songs. In the first half they are okay but not memorable, I didn’t leave the theatre humming them that is for sure. But after the interval the numbers certainly took a turn for the better, with some very sweet and moving tunes that smaller groups from the ensemble delivered with heart. And that ensemble is very good indeed, singing, dancing, acting puppeteers, each charged with delivering a variety of characters and doing it very artfully.

The puppets too are impressive full of character in their making and in their use. I was particularly pleased to see that each one had distinct characteristics, notably Button, who on one ear had four perfect spots in button formation, I really like that attention to detail.

Of course as the story is really about the dogs the human principles for the most part have far less to do but Jessie Elland and Samuel Thomas make the most of their roles with some deft clowning and fine singing.

The real comedy elements go to Cruella’s orphan nephews, Jasper played by Danny Hendrix and Casper played by by Charles Brunton. Fine casting here and a classic comedy pairing of two bumbling buffoons, the real essence of a great Christmas show and and element that could see this reworking enter the realm of becoming a classic pantomime

The design work sparkles throughout, fun costumes for the most part, although I did think that Cruella looked like she had hot footed it over from a production of Six, a bit too Elizabethan dominatrix for me and not enough high fashion.

The sound too became something of an issue, it was very loud so what one assumes and hopes were well crafted lyrics were somewhat lost. Part of that maybe that whilst captivated by the excellent puppets and puppetry, I was not looking and unconsciously lip-reading their handlers.

All this said, I had a great time, enjoyed very much the show as a seasonal outing and loved the fact that the audience, full of kids, were swept along in a tide of festive fun.

Andrew Kay

17 December

Theatre Royal Brighton

Rating: