The Hundred and One Dalmatians (B'ham Rep)

[moelhywel]

I was at the last preview performance of this tonight in a nearly full theatre with a lot of children. Real family entertainment although it may be a little frightening for very young children (mainly threat of death/skinning of the puppies). Although there are nowhere near 101 Dalmatians on the stage there are probably about 50, all puppets (some just puppy heads), which are really cute and excellently moved around by their operators, who also speak for the adult dogs and some of the named puppies. There are no well known names in this but Gloria Onitiri as Cruella de Vil is excellent, with a couple of effective songs, as are Lewis Griffin and Luke Murphy as the Badduns. There are also a lot of other effective dog puppets, especially the Afghan Hound, which open the show and a few of which appear later in the show. Recommended.

[Deleted]

I was there as well tonight. It is a very enjoyable show and the puppets are terrific!

[Deleted]

I can't help but be less enthusiastic. Cruella aside, none of the cast seemed to exhibit too much in the way of personality (too many plummy accents), and whilst she enjoyed a good cackle, I found her somewhat OTT and yet a not particularly frightening villain. Servicable book, under-developed music, some jarring anachronisms. The puppetry was the best thing about it, which shouldn't be the case, but which did engage the kids, tbf.

It was better than staying home for the evening, but not by too much. If I gave it three stars, I'd be being generous.

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Here's a trailer for the show